Seasonal celebration as spring ‘Sunbird’ sings at Massey

Sunbird Cabaret, artistic director Zak Rodgers, for Massey University Drama Society, Sir Geoffrey Peren Building, Massey University, September 20 -22. Reviewed by Richard Mays

Expect variety with an experimental edge during this 11-act celebration of spring creativity.

Not strictly a cabaret, Sunbird Cabaret is more a vehicle for exploring and exposing new writing, performing and directing capabilities.

Between the opening and closing stanzas by the Viva acapella choir directed by Amy Macaulay, a series of intriguing short plays provide the mainstay of this generously apportioned entertainment.

Separating them are helpings of slam poetry, stand-up, Samoan dance, two short films, and a linked monologue.

The plays vary from psychological mind games to the macabre, with Baggage, written and directed by Jess Ramage, an unexpected foray into the late 1960s. It depicts a chance encounter on a train station platform between a chatty bag lady played by Laureen Fergusson, and Matt Walden as a scarred Vietnam War vet, along with its coincidental consequences.

Nicely characterised, it could have done with more performance pace. Charlie Pearson’s play B Is For... directed by Hannah Pratt, is reminiscent of Roald Dahl’s dark short stories, with Sarah Angland providing good character contrast as her character’s homicidal plan unravels.

Fraught relationships are highlighted in Elizabeth Mcmenamin’s You, Me and the Baby Makes Three. Directed by Sam Wyss, a perky Shivarn Stewart in a supporting role, gives her fellow cast members plenty to play off.

Continuing the relationship theme, The Heartbreak presents personal and heartfelt lessons from student life as a linked series of monologues by six performers, who impress with their authenticity and emotional intensity.

Arts on Wednesday’s Karen Newton pops up as a creepy elderly motel proprietor who has nightmarish designs on a new guest, in quirky gothic-flavoured short film The Stop.

Zak Rodgers in tricorn hat is an engaging slam poet, but stand up Justin Ngai is an acquired taste whose material could stand better editing and structure.

It was a pity though, that there was only one traditional offering from Le Pua Dance Crew.