Masterclass (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
Oh my. What a breakout, beguiling, absurdist, slapstick comedy Masterclass is. It is a deliberately pointed slight at male arrogance and entitlement. A pretentious interviewer (Feidlim Cannon) conducts an at first fawning interview with a heralded esoteric playwright and director (Adrienne Truscott). Their dress sense and wigged and mustachioed personas are as outlandish as the interplay between the pair. Truscott has premiered a work that pits man against woman. It has resulted in mayhem, with the sexes at loggerheads.
Masterclass masterfully manipulates the traditional practice of interviewers and interviewees, turning the age-old practice on its head. Physical and verbal humour collide, as the interviewee challenges the interviewer. Complete with music and dramatic sound effects, Truscott proceeds down the path of “educating” Cannon as to why white male artists are no longer needed. While Cannon isn’t sold, in time he comes to understand Truscott’s perspective. Still, when push comes to shove, Cannon refuses to leave the stage.
Masterclass is heady, hilarious and heartwarming. It is parody of the highest order, which pricks privilege and power. Much of the interaction between the protagonists leaves the audience in stitches. In real life, Truscott is a choreographer, circus acrobat, dancer, writer, storyteller and comedian. She has been creating genre-straddling work in New York City and abroad for more than 20 years.
This show has been put together by Truscott and Dublin-based, internationally renowned theatre company Brokentalkers. Its co-artistic directors are Feidlim Cannon and Gary Keegan. While the pair defy categorisation with their work, it is unashamedly ambitious and fearless. That is evident in spades in the deliciously provocative Masterclass, which is playing at Malthouse Theatre as part of RISING until 17th June, 2023.
For details of the full RISING Festival program, go to https://rising.melbourne
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Shakespeare in Love (MTC) – theatre review
- Telethon Kid (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
- Made in China 2.0 (Malthouse Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.