THEATRE

Presented by the Graduate Dramatic Society of WA

Hellenic Club of WA

Review by Julianne de Souza

Relevant and engaging, A Flat Circle sees the two-year reunion of a dysfunctional family, only to be followed by its disastrous unravelling – all over the span of one forty-five minute dinner party. If you think that this may sound like a lot to achieve, then you would be correct. While it is well written and showcases some impressive performances, A Flat Circle was at times overdramatic and heavy-handed.

A production by the Graduate Dramatic Society of WA, A Flat Circle stages a troubled family’s reunion to reveal its dark secrets. After two years of backpacking in Africa following his father’s death, Charlie waltzes back into his estranged family’s life only to swiftly dig up old grievances, wasting no time in steering the stilted dinnertime conversation towards his parents’ difficult marriage. This begins an exploration of the various characters’ attitudes towards domestic violence as we learn of their father’s abusive treatment of his wife, Victoria.

Youngest son and failed playwright George attempts to defend his father’s violent behaviour. His excuses come across almost as platitudes given the frequency with which domestic violence victims are blamed in today’s society. Yet in this performance, remarks such as “He only did it once” and “He was a good man” are not merely misogynistic drivel; they also portray the disbelief of a son who cannot come to terms with his father’s true character.

Mel Kay’s performance as the ambitious and taunting younger sister Di, who up until this point was in the dark about her father’s abusive tendencies, was the standout. She was closely followed by Jennifer van den Hoek as the mother trying to keep her family together while struggling to admit the truth about her husband.

Despite these several strong performances, A Flat Circe’s tense climax and final ‘twist’ came across as both out-of-the-blue and unconvincing. As various family members turn on one another, it felt more like the play was aiming to shock its audience than give the play the mature resolution it deserved. Unexpectedly, the show ends on a haunting, a cappella number sung by Di to her mother, which while technically impressive, was too long.

These plot and staging caveats aside, A Flat Circle is a thought-provoking dramatization of family relationships and domestic violence, carried through by the actors by witty dialogue and complex characterisation. If it generates more conversation about topics marked ‘taboo’, it can only be marked a success.

A Flat Circle ran until late February at the Hellenic Club of WA.