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'Hedonism’s Second Album' // Left of Right

 Welcome to the recording studio for “Hedonism’s Second Album,” a thought-provoking exploration of the challenges faced by a rock band. Produced by the independent theater company, Left of Right, this production delves into the inner workings of a fractured rock band. Hosted at the Scouts Queensland’s Wonargo Cultural Centre, an unexpected but fitting venue choice, this performance offers a unique perspective on the band’s journey.

Following years of performing in pubs and as opening acts, Hedonism, the rock band, has achieved fame with the release of their debut album. However, they now encounter a hurdle in the form of their second album’s creation.
Initially premiered in 2014 at The Loft as part of La Boite’s Indie Season and written by David Burton and Claire Christian, “Hedonism’s Second Album” undoubtedly reflects the zeitgeist of its era. The play does not shy away from depicting issues such as misogyny, violence, selfishness, homophobia, and casual racism. While these themes may be disconcerting to witness, they serve as a crucial reminder of the persistent presence of toxic masculinity in contemporary society and the music industry.

Under the direction of Tammy Sarah Linde, the blocking appears natural and authentic, effectively portraying the band’s camaraderie. There were occasional instances where actors faced away from the audience while delivering lines, which, although mildly disruptive, did not significantly detract from the overall production. The design of the stage necessitates a high level of projection by the actors to reach the back of the auditorium, and this aspect occasionally fell short during specific moments in the production.

Set design by Director Tammy Sarah Linde adopted a minimalist approach, featuring two lounge chairs, a beer fridge, a bean bag, and a kitchenette. This simple backdrop provided valuable support to the narrative conveyed by the actors. Tammy Sarah Linde’s lighting design, operated by Janika Lapworth, on the other hand, remained uncomplicated, employing a full-stage wash throughout the entire performance. Due to the episodic nature of the production, the excessive use of blackouts disrupted audience immersion in the storyline. Employing alternative creative techniques to signify time transitions should be considered for future productions.

The sound design by Luke O’Hagan was also minimalistic, incorporating soundtracks composed by O’Hagan and Dugald Lowis, which effectively highlighted the band’s music. However, sound levels required adjustment, often being too quiet throughout the production, resulting in the audience missing out on the rock music composed specifically for the show. An approach of presenting the sound before the scene, rather than concurrently, could have highlighted the original music without distracting from the storyline.
Nonetheless, the true strength of this production resides in the ensemble of talented actors.

Chloe Boike’s portrayal of Phil, the assertive record executive, was a standout performance. Boike adeptly depicted both the toughness and the nurturing side of Phil, guiding the musicians toward their ultimate goal.
Dugald Lowis’s interpretation of Gareth, the lead singer struggling with addiction while fronting a rock band, revealed a multi-dimensional character. Lowis’s performance showcased the complexities of Gareth’s character.
Joel Dow, in the role of Chimney, demonstrated exceptional acting prowess, drawing upon a vast array of professional training. Dow consistently excels at portraying characters with tough exteriors and compassionate hearts, a skill evident in this production.

August Cocks, as Michael, delivered a lovable and endearing performance. Cocks effectively conveyed the challenges faced by the band’s token homosexual member and garnered audience empathy as other characters rallied around him.
Joshua Brandon’s portrayal of Sumo added an intriguing layer to the production, displaying kindness, animosity, and a touch of eccentricity. Brandon’s energy and pacing lent a dynamic quality to the overall performance.
In summary, “Hedonism’s Second Album” by Left of Right Theatre Company offered an engaging and mature evening of theater. This production showcases the abundant talent in Brisbane’s arts scene. Kudos to Left of Right for continually pushing the boundaries of theater and introducing audiences to unconventional and thought-provoking performances. Bravo!
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