What: Dirt
Where: Holden Street Theatres
Duration: 60 minutes
Genre: Theatre
(Reviewed by John Glennie)
An excellent play set against the horrors of the anti-Gay purges in Chechnya, presented by and starring award-winner Patrick Livesey (‘The Boy, George’ and ‘Gone Girls’) and his real-life partner, Wil King (ABC’s ‘Why Are You Like This’).
It starts with an Australian tourist asking his tour guide about what the “dirt” refers to – the soil around Moscow? The guide never really answers a question but frequently asks “what do you think?”. In the back of your mind, and knowing Russia’s sinister reputation, you are constantly asking yourself “could he be a Russian agent of some sort?”. He keeps throwing in teasers, then says “it is joke!” – but is it?
The Aussie tourist invites the guide out for a drink so he can get to learn more about Russia. It soon becomes evident that he has ulterior motives and, as the drinks and drugs take effect, these come to the fore. However, you always have that niggling feeling about his guide … is he really a guide or someone trying to find “dirt” on the so-called tourist.
When it is revealed they are both gay, the Australian pushes the guide to reveal more about the oppression of same-sex relationships in Russia. The story unfolds extremely well and is quite confronting, and you are still left guessing about the guide’s true identity!
A great show and definitely well worth seeing, so book your tickets at this delightful venue (immediately behind the Hindmarsh Coopers soccer stadium). Allow plenty of time and grab a bite to eat and a drink before or after the show in the relaxing outdoor setting (see below)!
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