MEMMIE LE-BLANC BY HILLARY BELL-ADELAIDE-PERTH-2007-2008

DEACCHAIR THEATRE FREEMANTEL WA

www.theatreguide.com.au
Supporting live theatre in Adelaide
PO Box 10278
ADELAIDE BC SA 5000
info@theatreguide.com.au
ABN : 93 297 960 525
MEMMIE LE BLANC
Vitalstatistix Theatre Company
Queen’s Theatre
Until 8 March 2008
Review by Brian Godfrey
Is what we are, inherent in us or taught? This question is the basis of Vitalstatistix and Western
Australia’s Deckchair Theatre co-production, “Memmie Le Blanc” by Hilary Bell.
Bell’s well-written script is based on fact. In eighteenth century France, a ‘feral’ child emerged from the
woods. She had no previous contact with humans nor had been reared by animals. The girl was given
the name “Memmie Le Blanc” – a blank page to be written on.
Director Angela Chaplin has given us a superb production where everything comes together to present
Adelaide with a riveting theatrical experience. Sound design (Phil Bailey) is natural and unobtrusive.
Costume design (Isaac Lummins) is historically accurate, colourful and, in the case of the orang-utan,
imaginative and effective. Andrew Lake’s effective lighting includes some tight window-frame images
and his jungle-gym set is stunning.
The cast (Anni Lindner, Adam McGurk, Sete Tele and Netta Yashchin) are excellent. This is a very
physical and emotional play for all of them and their energy and talent never falter. Special mention of
Tele for his brilliant physical characterisation of an orang-utan and Lindner for her magnificently
poignant portrayal of the title role.
An excellent all-Australian production, it deserves to be well supported.
Rating: 4 Stars (out of 5).