Pavica and Mila are a perfect pair their motivations, needs and wants are swiftly and clearly explored in each song. A single, hysterical chicken-themed prop that can’t possibly be spoiled represents time and place, as does the plastic backdrop (Isabel Hudson designed the set). They bring the factory alive with wry descriptions of the work and a world of smartly observed minor characters. When things get worse at the factory, can the women join together to demand something better for themselves, and for all working women?Ĭreated by Draisma and Knezevic, as well as co-writer and dramaturg Sime Knezevic, The Hen House is loosely inspired by their grandmother’s experience in a chicken processing plant after moving from Croatia to Australia.

(Mara Knezevic) hates the conditions: low pay, safety risks, sexism and predatory behaviour. Pavica (Josipa Draisma) loves her job she finds rewards in hard work. The Hen House is smart, hot, fast and funny and looks and sounds like a pub gig Credit: Anna Kucera Imagine two lead vocalists: women, sisters, who roar. Imagine a tight, raucous all-female band playing 70s Oz rock-inspired riffs with effortless cool. The Hen House Riverside Theatres, September 8 Also Camden Civic Centre, September 13 Reviewed by CASSIE TONGUE ★★★★ It’s just a shame the second two can’t quite match the near-perfect Summer of Harold. All over in 90 minutes, the trilogy bulges with intelligence, heart and skill. Bell keeps us guessing, and when we do latch on, Jonathan’s wetness becomes our sadness. Schwerdt excels swapping between voices, and Savige avoids any sense of stasis with only a stool as a prop – other than the crucial piece of cheese.įinally, Lookout takes us to the Blue Mountains, with Schwerdt playing Jonathan, who has reached his late 50s leading a very cloistered life. Gareth eventually spies the chance for what he thinks is a worthy form of revenge, and this, again, has echoes of Bennett, in what is essentially a one-hander, with Waterman making two appearances as Gareth’s sleepy wife. Berynn Schwerdt plays Gareth, a ceramicist convinced he has 10 times the talent of an ex-friend who’s won international acclaim in the same game.

The lights barely go down before they’re up again for Enfant Terrible, a tale of spoiled friendship, artistic envy and ancient cheese.

Jessica wilde before