Cassie (Claire Sara) and Kurt (Timmy Knowles) are a mega-rich couple in their late thirties, who have more money that most people would know what to do with. You see they have just won $337 million in the lottery and how do they celebrate? They don’t quit their jobs, rather they hire an escort – 23-year-old Tiffany (a woman of Asian-American origin) – to spend the night with. Experienced she may be, but Tiffany has never had an encounter quite like the one that lies ahead. What starts out as Cassie’s sexual fantasy – she has always fancied getting it on with an exotic woman – turns into something far darker.
A most incisive piece of writing from American David L. Williams (a graduate of the theatre department at Cornell University), he is responsible for more than 25 plays and musicals. His work – which has received numerous awards – has been produced across North America, in Europe and now Australia.
Ra Chapman (an Australian-Korean actress whose work spans films, television and theatre), who plays the hooker, puts it well when she says “the themes explored are polarising and startling … there is nothing polite about David L. Williams’ work”. And nor should there be because that is exactly what gives it the edge that makes it compelling and oh so thought provoking.
All the action we see takes place in the lounge of Cassie and Kurt’s rented home. A typical suburban setting features a three-seater couch with a couple of armchairs, a pot plant that has seen better days, a table lamp and a few books that are strewn around. Then there are references in the dialogue to a couple of bedrooms and a bathroom.
Undoubtedly one to see with a partner or friend (so you can discuss it afterwards), The Winners – which runs for an hour and a half, including a 10-minute interval – is on at the Owl and Cat Theatre until 19th February. It is well worth a look.
Alex First
David Edwards is the former editor of The Blurb and a contributor on film and television