Presented by BRAVE Theatre
@ Bakehouse Theatre – Studio
MONDAY 27 Feb (until March 4)
For almost two centuries women have been waiting for the day when their very own Mr Darcy would waltz into their lives. How many of us have curled up in front of the TV with a large tub of ice cream, watching a Jane Austen classic, and wondering how Elizabeth Bennet could possibly find such a catch? Or wondering why the only man at the pub seems to be Mr Wickham, or worse, Mr Collins? Has Ms Austen deceived us all?
Jane Austen Is Dead is a charmingly honest take on relationships and dating in the 21st century. Written and performed solely by Mel Dodge, the play offers an insight into the new wave of dating rules and etiquette in a world of Facebook, texting and drunken sex in disabled toilets.
Originally from New Zealand, but currently based in Melbourne, Dodge has collaborated with long time friend and fellow Jane Austen buff Patrick Davies, the director of the play.
The play begins with two candles being lit, revealing a modest, black and white-themed bar. Here we meet Sophie, a single, 33-year-old bar manager and Jane Austen fan. Levelheaded yet vulnerable, Sophie’s character mimics that of many of Austen’s heroines. As the play unfolds, Sophie takes us through her own romantic history, offering amusing comparisons between her past loves and the classic male characters in Austen’s stories. From swapping lunches in the schoolyard at the age of five, to more significant relationships in later life, Sophie points out the various Darcys, Wickhams and Bingleys she has come across. The audience responded with smiles and quiet giggles at first, but was roaring with laughter by Dodge’s stern impersonation of Mr Darcy.
Held in the Studio of the Bakehouse Theatre, the audience is seated very closely to the stage. This intimate atmosphere allows one to feel part of the setting, as if they are sitting at the bar, engaged in a deep-and-meaningful with the barmaid.
As Sophie, Dodge expresses her deepest feelings and experiences in love to the audience, in an almost soliloquy-like manner. These speeches are frequently interrupted, however, by the various characters who pass through the bar, providing much of the play’s comedy. We meet the frantic and – shall we say – desperate Mary, Sophie’s fellow barmaid, who is constantly checking her phone to hear back from last night’s date. Then there is the sex-driven vixen, Theresa, – unmistakably reminiscent of Samantha from Sex and the City – the happily settled best friend, Victoria, and the drunken bride-to-be, Helen, who is arguably the source of most laughs. As each role is played by Dodge, this could have run the risk of being chaotic and repetitive. However, Dodge is extremely dynamic and versatile, shifting between characters with ease. Her diverse use of voices, mannerisms and facial expressions skilfully differentiated one character from the other.
Some of the characters could be seen to be clichéd, but were nevertheless cleverly crafted and well received by the audience. This was clear from the many chuckles and nods, as audience members recognised either themselves or their friends in each personality. Dodge’s portrayals of the men she encountered through video dating were also a hit.
Dodge was first inspired to write the play after a relationship break-up.
‘I remember realising that love isn’t a fairytale, being really annoyed and angry at all the beautiful stories you get told,’ she said.
Dodge considers herself “romantic by nature”. When asked what her message is for women and love, she replies, ‘Like who you are. Don’t settle for the “washer and the dryer”, settle for someone who’s going to really make you feel good.’
Presented by a talented performer, Jane Austen is Dead provides an evening of fun and light entertainment, along with a deeper message. This is one to see with the girls, but any man who happens to be an Austen fan will enjoy it too.
