Piper is a very ambitious project that Frenzy Theatre Co has successfully pulled off. I attended the show on 21st August at Theatre Works and was impressed from the very outset.
The theatre doors open 30 minutes before curtain, offering an opportunity to immerse yourself in the bizarre world of Piper and its inhabitants. I was met at the door by a ‘town councillor’ who welcomed me to Hamelin and hinted at the rodent infestation problem they were currently experiencing. You then walk through something akin to a marketplace or town square, where you can get a tarot reading, discuss council matters, send and receive mail, and engage in any number of activities with the townsfolk. This allows you to become acclimatised to the overall feel and design. It’s a rich, colourful set reminiscent of a children’s nursery in some ways, yet with ominous hints about the world within.
The show itself is full of elements connected to what so many of us have experienced in the last few years. Whether it’s the sensationalist headlines of the local newspaper, the restrictive rules of fumbling bureaucrats, the ignored pleas from residents, or the self-aggrandisement of the town councillors, there’s certainly something gothic and political about the whole enterprise. I’m certain the show’s creators must have attended local city council meetings, as the language used by Hamelin’s town council seems (deliberately) eerily similar.
Is Piper meant to be political? There may be some truth to it being a political tale, but perhaps that’s just the ‘MacGuffin’ for what the creators really want. Frenzy Theatre Co are creating opportunities for early-career artists to showcase their skills and talents, and this is part of the richness of the production.
There are more than 20 people moving on and off stage in complicated routines and dances throughout the show. The logistics alone of getting this right require talent and a commitment to collaboration. Meanwhile, the ‘rats’ are choreographed in a fashion that blends something dark and repellent with strong sexual energy. If that wasn’t enough, there’s even some aerial dancing thrown in for good measure.
The songs are performed as solos, duets, or ensembles, showcasing the vocal range of the cast. However, this is where I have a little nit-pick. I found myself occasionally having to look at the subtitles to clarify what was being sung, which perhaps was due to the music overpowering the voices.
Near the end of the production, the story veers away from Hamelin altogether and turns into actors auditioning for their next gig—’Cinderella’. I always find that a bit self-indulgent and don’t think it adds to the overall production, as it feels a little “inside baseball” to me.
Enough of my griping, though.
The costumes and makeup were a treat. The children and townsfolk had a garishly kawaii look, while the rats all wore saddle brown clothing, fluffy-collared shoes, and cutely drawn noses and whiskers for rodent faces. My favourite outfits, however, were the town councillors. They wore black blazers over 18th-century-style ruffled bloomer undergarments, with white-powdered Victorian makeup and white wigs to emphasise the class distinction.
Ultimately, this show is a smorgasbord of fun and should be seen by anyone who’s into musical theatre.
https://www.theatreworks.org.au/2024/piper
DATES + TIMES
Thursday 8 August – 7:30pm (PREVIEW)
Friday 9 August – 7:30pm (PREVIEW)
Saturday 10 August – 7:30pm (OPENING)
Tuesday 13 August – 7:30pm
Wednesday 14 August – 7:30pm
Thursday 15 August – 7:30pm
Friday 16 August – 7:30pm
Saturday 17 August – 7:30pm
Tuesday 20 August – 7:30pm
Wednesday 21 August – 7:30pm
Thursday 22 August – 7:30pm
Friday 23 August – 7:30pm
Saturday 24 August – 1:30pm (MATINEE)
