A simple set, designed by Bob Cousins, ensures the audience is not distracted from what is a compelling piece of theatre performed by a formidable cast.
Tracy Letts’ August: Osage County is the tale of a family in moral decline while juxtaposed against the moral decline of the United States of America.
Pamela Rabe’s performance as the dysfunctional matriarch of the family, Violet Weston, is formidable. Fighting throat cancer, Weston is addicted to pain killers while she struggles to keep her family together and harbour some dark family secrets. Her performance is a tour de force and she leads a cast of impeccable talent.
Geoff Kelso as Violet’s husband, Beverly Weston opens the show with a haunting prologue. Weston is then the ghostly reminder throughout the production that helps plunge this family into self-destruction.
Caroline Brazier’s portrayal of Violet’s sister, Mattie Fae Aiken, brought a sense of elegance to the performance. However, this is later shattered as secrets and mistreatment are revealed.
Bree Cruse as Johnna Monevata is employed by Beverly days before his death as a live in housekeeper. As a Native American, whose ancestors have inhabited and hunted the area for centuries, her character sits in the shadows of the Weston home observing the families decline. A poignant analogy of society.
Beverly and Violet have three daughters, Ivy Weston played by Amy Mathews, Barbara Fordham played by Hayley McElhinney and Karen Weston played by Anna Samson.
These three women are compelling actresses. Their monologues, performed throughout the show, are gripping and riveting. Each bring a true sense of the struggles and relationship with their parents and each other.
Greg Stone, as Charlie Aiken’s hilarious attempt to lead grace at the dinner table, sets the tone of the second act. The cast work together in perfect unison and comic timing to have the audience in fits of laughter. I laughed so loud at times a member of the audience commented on my infectious laugh.
Ben Mortley was convincing as Sheriff Deon Gilbeau. He looked, walked, talked and epitomised the caricature of an American sheriff. Esther Williams was faultless as the angst teenager, Jean Fordham; while Little Charles Aiken portrayed by Will O’Mahony brought a sense of naivety, calm and hope of love again, within the family. However, this is later shattered.
Bert Labonte as Bill Fordham and Rohan Nichol as Steve Heidebrecht manage to shine in their performances and command the audience’s attention at various times throughout the production.
Do not miss your chance to witness the crème de la crème of Australian acting talent performing in Perth. Grab your tickets now, before it’s too late. And with a running time of three hours and thirty minutes don’t let this deter you. The drama of the piece is so tightly written and presented the time passes painlessly.
August: Osage County
Heath Ledger Theatre – State Theatre Centre WA, 174 – 176 William Street, Perth
Performance: Sunday 2 March 2025
Season continues to 16 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.blackswantheatre.com.au
Image: August: Osage County – photo by Philip Gostelow
Review: Craig Dalglish