Incorruptible - Galleon Theatre Group

Incorruptible - Galleon Theatre Group

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Posted 2018-05-04 by Cecelia Hopkinsfollow

Wed 02 May 2018 - Sat 12 May 2018


If you are a fan of live theatre, I have a treat for you. The Galleon Theatre Group Inc. has commenced performing Incorruptible by Michael Hollinger. The play premiered on Thursday May 3 2018. Remaining performances include Friday May 4, Saturday May 5, Thursday May 10, Friday May 11, and Saturday May 12 at 8 pm. My personal choice would be the afternoon matinee, Saturday May 12.

The venue is the Domain Theatre, Marion Cultural Centre, 287 Diagonal Road, Oaklands Park. This is conveniently located opposite Marion Shopping centre and parking is easy. An in-house cafeteria serves coffee, wine, cake and snacks before the performance and during the interval to create an enjoyable night out.Incorruptible also represents the directorial debut of Lesley Reed, who must have been nervous after all her years as a critic, however, I would say she absolutely nailed it! The first notable things are the background and set. The inner walls of the stage are lined with stone-like artwork so realistic I spent much of the play gaping at it.

The costumes are simple, but also vastly convincing. The monks' robes looked old and did not smack of modern clerical costume or the church dress-up cupboard. I did notice with slight amusement, however, that the male actors had not shaven their heads in a 'tonsure' and donned little skull caps.

The acting was very professional with just the right amount of added gesture and movement to attract attention on stage. At one stage, a male actor was lifting a female actor with apparent ease. I don't know whether there is a balanced point where a person slung over your shoulder becomes easier to carry, but I was amazed at the length of time he had to stand around disguising the fact he was carrying her. He must have been amazingly strong.

The play itself is well written and takes its premise from the genuine corruptions of the Christian church during the Middle Ages. It is true that there were more relics and body parts of saints scattered throughout churches in the known world than Jesus and the apostles could possibly have left behind. The situational humour generated from this circumstance is irreverent and almost satirical. The repartee is brilliant and yet still manages to masquerade as conversation.

You would probably have had a bigger belly laugh at the lambasting of the organised church of that era if you did not have a Christian background than if you did! I occasionally felt witticisms were more 'true' than funny, despite the regrettable implications. The church did oppress and deceive the poor parishioners, demanding offerings for miracles and Indulgences. Many of the monks who did this may have started off as well-meaning and some benefits may have flowed through to 'other poor'.

After nearly two hours of anti-religious humour (including interval) – I was pleasantly surprised by the ending. The playwright gently allowed miracles to recommence when the monks placed their faith back into their local saint! We don't know what the Pope thought about this because he never arrived, remaining an off-stage dramatic device. The ultimate message appeared to be that while organised religion might not always be healthy – faith is real.

#community_theatre
#cultural_events
#humour
#oaklands_park
#southern_suburbs
#theatre
#may
!date 02/05/2018 -- 12/05/2018
%wnadelaide
164922 - 2023-06-15 00:40:47

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