Down Memory Lane #14 - "genesis" review - The Pittsworth Sentinel

The Pittsworth Sentinel (Thursday, June 9, 1977)

GENESIS
- A.M.

It is an old story, but one that can still be told; About men who loved; and lost thier friends to death and learned they lacked the power to bring them back to life.

This is the story of Gilgamesh and Enkidu. This is the story of Adam and Eve, of Noah and his wife. Genesis is the story of mankind.

It was around this story that the musical play evolved.

Through realistic scenes, excellent though sometimes weird lighting effects, splendid acting, descriptive manoeuvres for the change of emotional moods through a synopsis of scenes.

The first was The Creation and the story of Adam and Eve with their attendant sorrow. Then the epic of Gilgamesh, who was King of Uruk in ancient Babylon about 1000 years before the book of Genesis was written. The story portrays the meeting, the love and the loss of his friend, Enkidu.

The third story was that of Noah, his wife and the ark. This was a truely stirring scene. A parade of the animals which entered the ark being the highlight.

The masks worn by the animals which wobbled, crawled, wriggled and strutted around the auditorium were masterpieces of careful design and exquisit workmanship which must have kept the workers busy for weeks.

The detail was infinite and such masks deserve to be carefully preserved for future productions, for such workmanship will never be improved upon.

The storm and the rising of the waters in this scene were frightening, thanks to sound effects.

The final scene, The Rainbow, was sensitive and delicately presented, especially the moments Gilgamesh spent with the silver rose singing "Death is not the end".

This theatrical adventure was prepared in four months which meant hard work for every member of the company. Forty-two young people became quite dedicated to their job during that time and worked like Trojans, guided by the professional team from teh Queensland Theatre Company.

The construction crew built the set known as "the helmet" which was a feat of engineering, the result being a dramatic edification.

Top marks to the designers and dressmakers. Calico, dozens of yards dyed to earthy colours, was used for the basic foundation garment - t-shirt and flowing flares - girls and boys were dressed alike.

Ornamentation was provided by peanut shells and nuts being woven into embroidery with coils of rope for the more elaborate robes worn by Noah and other male characters.

The fantastic head-dresses could have been inspired by those worn by native high priests preparing for special rituals.

The completely imaginative costume worn by the Bull of Heaven was another to remember with pleasure, as were all the ceremonial robes.

Another amusing setup was the almost freakish orchestra, which at times was almost overwhelming. Fortunately, for most of the time the sounds produced were quite pleasant. A novel idea was the string of plough discs banged with gusto along with the drums. The sound from whatever they called it was equally unusual.

Singing was tuneful and the choreography was good although a couple of the dances were quite long. However, the dancers swirled and swayed with such enthusiasm they inspired the audience.

The Bush Fire, danced under the fierce flicking glare of vivid red lights was a really hot number.

The acting was sincere and unaffected all through. The boys stole the show there.

The fight between Gilgamesh and Enkidu was a really good one, no holds bared. Judo throws were freely used and the audience felt very bruised by the last punch.

The first entrance and final exit of the cast splendidly suggested early Greek theatre.

The final night is to be in the city of Brisbane where one hopes it will be as well received as it has been on the Darling Downs.

A quote used by the players was: "To laugh is to love - And to love is to live - So we make the world love - And make the world laugh."

Let us remember Genesis by using this quote ourselves.

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