Seesaw-Magazine-is-on-pause-until-mid-2024.png
Reviews/Theatre

Bali serves up whip-smart treat

20 October 2017

Review: Bali, The Last Great Hunt ◆
Subiaco Arts Centre, 19 October ◆
Review by Nina Levy ◆

Living in WA it feels as if Bali is imprinted on our collective unconscious. Even if (like me) one has never actually been to Bali, one has a sense of the place; the tropical heat, the lush hotels, the Bintang. It’s this collective understanding of Bali that writers and performers Jeffrey Jay Fowler and Chris Isaacs, of Perth theatre collective The Last Great Hunt, draw on in their latest work, Bali.

Bali is described as both a companion piece to Fowler and Isaacs’ Fag/Stag (2015, 2017), and a stand-alone work. In addition to not having been to Bali, I have not seen Fag/Stag. Post watching Bali I can report the following: 1) Bali works as a stand-alone piece. 2) I should have seen Fag/Stag.

Because Bali is terrific.

Following the fortunes of best friends Jimmy (Fowler) and Corgan (Isaacs), Bali takes place three years on from the events of Fag/Stag (for those who did see it). Now in their early thirties, Corgan is besotted with his girlfriend Sarah, while Jimmy is besotted with the dating app Scruff, “Grindr for men with beards.” In Bali to celebrate Corgan’s mum’s 60th, the pair navigate love in all its forms against the melange of lavish resorts, seedy nightclubs, tropical beauty and local poverty that is Bali.

It’s a simple set-up; a pair of bar stools, a table festooned with drinking debris, and a whip-smart script delivered at a cracking pace by Fowler and Isaacs. The fourth wall dissolves and reforms, creating three comically contentious perspectives. The laughs come thick and fast – sizzling one-liners tumble out in rapid succession – but more serious topics emerge from the fallout; the mortality of a parent; an abusive demon from Jimmy’s past, Balinese homes that are falling into the river thanks to the environmental impact of tourism. The final scene is bittersweet, tragicomic.

As Jimmy and Corgan, Fowler and Isaacs were outstanding on opening night, their timing and pacing (both comic and tragic) impeccable. The only downside was that occasionally lines couldn’t be heard over the audience’s laughter.

In summary? Ten out of ten. Would see it again.

Bali plays Subiaco Arts Centre until 28 October.

Pictured top and below: Jeffrey James Fowler and Chris Isaacs in ‘Bali’. Photos: Daniel James Grant.

 

 

Like what you're reading? Support Seesaw.

Author —
Nina Levy

Nina Levy has worked as an arts writer and critic since 2007. She co-founded Seesaw and has been co-editing the platform since it went live in August 2017. As a freelancer she has written extensively for The West Australian and Dance Australia magazine, co-editing the latter from 2016 to 2019. Nina loves the swings because they take her closer to the sky.

Past Articles

  • How to choose your Fringe World shows

    Overwhelmed by the 2024 Fringe program? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

  • A walk with Tina Stefanou

    Tina Stefanou is one of 10 artists whose work will be exhibited in ‘Rural Utopias’, at the Art Gallery of WA. Ahead of the opening, we’re re-sharing her 2020 reflection on the role of an artist, in a time that is characterised by economic, social, political and environmental injustice.

Read Next

  • Just what the doctor ordered
    Reviews

    Just what the doctor ordered

    29 September 2023

    Dr AudiYO uses vocal gymnastics to take the audience on a fun adventure. Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are happy to take this prescription. 

    Reading time • 3 minutesTheatre
  • Seadragon weaves magic spell
    Reviews

    Seadragon weaves magic spell

    28 September 2023

    The Magical Weedy Seadragon enchants junior reviewer Isabel Greentree with a winning blend of story, song and humour.   

    Reading time • 4 minutesMulti-arts
  • Lifting the weight of the world
    Reviews

    Lifting the weight of the world

    28 September 2023

    Junior reviewers Jackson and Chloe Davis are taken on a thoughtful and funny journey to the Moon with one overwhelmed girl.

    Reading time • 4 minutesTheatre

Leave a comment

Cleaver Street Studio

Cleaver Street Studio

 

Cleaver Street Studio