Monkey ... Journey to the West.
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Written by Donna Abela, from the novel by Wu Cheng'en. Directed by Kim Carpenter and John Bell. Kim Carpenter's Theatre of Image. The Playhouse. Canberra Theatre Centre. Until April 25. Bookings: canberratheatrecentre.com.au or 62752700.
The real magic of Monkey ... Journey to the West lies in the spectacular visual and physical brilliance of Kim Carpenter's adaptation which was also made into a cult TV classic. Carpenter's dynamic integration of acrobatics by parkour enthusiasts Team9Lives, live music by composer/musician, Peter Kennard, puppetry, bold visual imagery and outstanding performances lend fire to 's origins in the myths and legends of Chinese storytelling. Writer Donna Abela has remained true to the characters and adventures of Wu Cheng'en's 16th century novel, while imbuing her text with contemporary humour and spontaneity.
Abela's script bristles with the cheeky anarchic attitude of Monkey (Aljin Abella), the rude and lascivious oafishness of Pigsy (Darren Gilshenan), the simple philosophical epigrams of Sandy (Justin Smith) and the earnest, resolved devotion of the monk Tripikata (Aileen Huynh). Anthony Taufus revels in his multiple roles and the diversity that they present from Budda to a humble farmer, the terrifying voice of the White Bone Monster and the dastardly evil spirit of the river. Lia Reutens and Ivy Mak delight with their deliciously mischievous roles as diverse demons and devious characters that tempt and threaten the pure and innocent Tripitaka on her quest for the sacred scriptures to retrieve for Budda from the Vulcan Mountain. Only then can one hope to restore the balance of Heaven and Earth and assure the redemption of the dead.
Journey to the West implies Tripitaka's travels from China to India in search of the sacred scriptures. It could well apply to a fusion of eastern and western cultures. The notion of quest and its ensuing battle between good and evil on a journey to accomplishment or enlightenment is fundamental to many storytelling traditions. The legend of Monkey is the experience of archetype. So it is too in the popular children's classics of western literary tradition. The true success of the quest rests with the achievement of knowledge and understanding. At the close of the show, the cast move forward across the stage, singing the story's moral in unison, "Will we ever be ready to learn?" Behind them the cutout of a city landscape dominated by cranes rises against the background.
Under the carefully, imaginatively and energetically staged direction of Carpenter and co-director John Bell, Monkey ... Journey to the West vividly and evocatively brings to life the stories and characters with a freshness, vitality and sense of effervescent fun that delighted young and old in the audience on opening night at the Canberra Playhouse. As designer and creator, Carpenter has unlocked and revived the original magic of Monkey ... Journey to the West and with his company imbued this ancient myth with excitement, wonderment, awe and the worthy moral that should hang on any classic tale. This is not-to-be-missed entertainment!
