The One (The Ensemble) – theatre review

One of the best ways to communicate a message is through humour. The One, now being performed at The Ensemble, is a fine example of how a good script, professional acting and comedic storytelling can convey the writer’s intended cause effectively.

The story of post-war migrant families coming to Australia to build a better life has been told many times. The cultural challenges, the language barriers, the direct and implied racism and discrimination are regrettable experiences had by thousands. The torment, difficulties and challenges may have been hard, but perhaps it somehow explains the resilience and success that many of those families have had. These kinds of battles are largely alien to people of Anglo-Saxon heritage.

Written by Vanessa Bates, The One explores these issues from the eyes of an Australian mixed-race Eurasian family (white father and Malaysian mother). This gives an interesting perspective on the children’s lives as Bates poses the perennial question: What is it to be Australian? Bates depicts an apparent well-adjusted and happy family. The father has gone, leaving his wife Helen to raise her daughter Mel and son Eric. Helen mostly lives in Penang, but talks to Mel regularly on Zoom. She is happy go lucky, reasonably wealthy – enjoying first class travel and designer accessories. Mel is questioning her relationship with boyfriend Cal. Thet met on a television reality show and she is now unsure if he is The One. Eric is sensible and sensitive, and has a secret he wants to disclose. It involves a lazy Susan.

Family issues are about to be aired when Helen visits for her birthday – the party held at Jim’s Oriental Restaurant and Milk Bar. This is an event to remember: exotic food, wild dancing and life-changing revelations. There is also the problem of a crazy waitress named Jess and a shaved poodle called Fifi. The scenes are delectably colourful and side-splitting.

The story mainly deals with Eric and Mel. Only three years apart, both have the same parents and upbringing. However, Mel is European looking and Eric has Chinese traits. On appearance alone, Eric’s exposure to childhood bullying is a world apart from Mel’s. Unsure if they are of Asian or European heritage and with constant thoughts about why their father left, the pair feels cursed with a crisis of personal and racial identity.

The power of the messaging in The One would be diminished if not for the outstanding cast. Shan-Ree Tan plays Eric. He brings likability and an assured composure to the role, which lets us know his character will be okay. Angie Diaz is wonderful as Mel. She has thoughtfully blended the traits of her madcap mother and prudent brother into her characterisation. Playing Helen is Gabrielle Chan. Her laughter and understanding nature make her the perfect “mum” in this theatre family. The misunderstood boyfriend Cal is played to-a-tee by Damien Strouthos. Aileen Huynh dominates all her scenes as the fearful waitress.

Compliments to director Darren Yap are well-deserved. He has made the production lively, animated, colourful and enthralling. Nick Fry does well with the staging. His depiction of the typical Aussie Chinese Restaurant, with its fish tank, wall calendar and other décor attributes, sets the scene for humour even before the show starts.

There’s so much that we can all relate to in The One. The characters are people we know or would like to know and the life lessons are real. In terms of entertainment and a good laugh, this is The One.

The One is playing at Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougal Street, Kirribilli until 23rd August 2022. Bookings: https://ensemble.com.au

Paul Kiely
For more of Paul Kiely’s writings on theatre, check out Absolute Theatre

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