The Story Of Mary MacLane By Herself - Griffin Theatre

This small part-play/part-musical/part-biography and tribute sat well in the tiny inner-city Griffin Theatre. Given the theme – the story of a woman who intensely explores her own identity as a means to understand the human condition – it made sense that we should be able to see every bead of sweat and hear, easily, unmic-ed dialogue and lyrics. Writer/performer Bojana Novakovic filled the room as Mary, however, musician/narrator/nameless man Tim Rogers met her in terms of presence (with particular kudos to the folky tunes and characteristic indie cabaret he delivered to punctuate the narrative). While there were some gaps and a perhaps unnecessary final 15 minutes, the strength was the energy and boldness of the piece – self-absorbed, simple and wonderfully confident. Like the cold, boiled potato at midnight, it was basic and beautiful.

At Illawarra Performing Arts Centre until Saturday 19 May