#SheReviews The Boys & Brisbane’s New PIP Theatre

On Saturday the 22nd I was delighted to meet up with my author friend and writing tutor Dr Sue Woolfe with her partner, playwright Gordon Graham. They flew to Brisbane for the final performance of Gordon’s renowned play and since turned movie, The Boys. 

I remember when The Boys movie was on screen around 1998, Gordon’s script had been influenced by the murder of Anita Cobby, the screenplay by Stephen Sewell.  It featured David Wenham, Toni Collette and Lynette Curran, Jeanette Cronin and John Paulson. All strong actors were needed for the controversial topic of domestic violence, bullying and men’s condescending treatment of women back then.  

I say back then with tongue in cheek. One would think in 2022 most of this despicable unacceptable social and personal exploitation would have dissipated by now. But sadly most of this toxic learned behaviour treatment of women continues to flow down in families. No wonder it has taken so long for things to change, the topic is too often suppressed or accepted within the family networks.

So watching the resurgence of this controversial social issue played out on stage at Brisbane’s new performing arts centre, the PIP Theatre, was daunting. At times making me squirm in my seat, it was too real for comfort but this story needs to be told… again. I noticed many of the men in the audience also squirmed which gave me a sense of relief. I couldn’t be sure if for some it was a reality shock about what happens behind the scenes or if it was from their own guilt or experience. I like to believe it is the former. 

Director and actor Cienda McNamara achieved her objective when she said she was simultaneously haunted, appalled, and blown away by the power of the performance and storytelling when she first came across this contemporary Australian work. Cienda fulfilled all her objectives when asked to direct The Boys.  This intimate, violent and toxic storyline of coercive control most definitely pierced our hearts with its poison arrow.  

Cast of Professionals

All the actors were top-notch with a background of role diversity and experience. They were the perfect team on stage playing huge emotional roles that must surely be straining physically and mentally.   

Chantal Elyse (Jackie), Stephen Geronimos (Brett), Zoe Houghton (Michelle), Aidan O’Donnell (Stevie), Leela Rashid (Nola), Samuel Valentine (Glenn) and founder of PIP Theatre Deidre Grace (Sandra) whom I felt was the play’s catalyst. 

PIP Theatre – Purpose in Performance

Only recently I heard of PIP Theatre from an interview with businesswoman and arts guru Deidre Grace on ABC’s 612 Breakfast radio. So when I was asked to attend the final production of The Boys I was thrilled, and keen to visit this newly established boutique theatre in Milton.

According to Deidre, it all came about when she was an actor, student and passionate theatre producer seeking professional work, when she was told you have to create your own opportunities and, no one is going to offer you roles…… so she did.

It is a quirky theatre, the Aussie stage setting for The Boys consisted of dried gum leaves, cane furniture, tree stumps, Eskies and empty beer cans. It was surrounded by four groups of audience seating arranged in a rectangular shape around the main stage, with a few minor sets located off-stage. It was up close and personal and as an audience member, I was fully engrossed with the storyline, as though I was part of it. Extremely effective. I should imagine the stage setting and seating could be rearranged according to the play’s theme. 

The entrance to the PIP Theatre is set back between the local restaurants at 20 Park Rd Milton so you may walk past it at first, as I did when I had my brolly up due to the rain.  

 I started the event by catching the lift to the outdoor Terrace decorated with fairy lights, tropical pot plants and retro seating arrangements. It was relaxing, sipping on a pre-performance bubbly under the covered area with the solace of a fresh breeze as I chatted with fellow attendees, later the actors. We accessed our seats by walking up the original curved wrought iron steps of this out-of-the-ordinary renovated building. An overall lovely night out. 

Coming up at PIP Theatre in 2022

• Power, Language & Love – A Cabaret 4-6 November
• Moon With a View 10-12 November
• Islander – a new musical 18-27 November   
• The No Bang Theory + Chameleon (Double Bill) 1-2 December

Fabulous value for money with concession tickets available

Drinks menus available online including snacks and a list of local restaurants

Parking underneath may be limited, street parking is available

Contact 

https://piptheatre.org/

Email: info@piptheatre.org  Phone : 0427 031 983 Address: 20 Park Rd, Milton, QLD

Instagram   @piptheatreau    Facebook   /piptheatreau 

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