Two woman are waiting for… someone. They know each other, there’s history apparently between the two, but also distance. Over the course of an hour and a smidge, the pair converse, argue, comfort, interrogate, reminiscence, brag, and wonder just when the bloody hell the person they’re meeting is going to arrive?
While Georgie Hindle’s script draws from Waiting for Godot, it’s only in the setup and some of the more absurdist laughs that a Beckett inspiration exerts itself. Other texts have been drawn from, particularly feminist ones. It’s clever, but careful never to wander into merely an intellectual exercise. Our two characters may disagree about a lot, but we like watching them disagree.
Directors Georgie Hindle and Matthew Cavagnino and their cast weave an engaging story, yet some of the more refreshing moments are the unstitching that happens. Outdated sexist notions of tying one’s wellbeing and success to your husband are acerbically picked apart, as are other social conventions and trappings discarded.
Eleni Vettos’s character is resplendent in white, almost resembling a runaway bride. She gives a wonderful performance, sardonic and hilarious. The gradual reveals we get behind her seemingly idyllic existence was beautifully done.
Seated next to her is Gillian Mosenthal, her character not as seasoned, yet there’s something charming about her curiosity and optimism. Outmatched at first, her character’s refusal to surrender to any of her waiting colleague’s cynical points was great to watch.
Seeming random at first, the pair’s conversation never meanders, gently coming into focus as they narrow in on less about the waiting and more about who they are and who they wanted to be. There’s forgiveness and understanding, and a sense that hope, not despair, should always be the final word.
Turning 25
The Butterfly Club, 5 Carson Place, Melbourne
Performance: Monday 24 February 2025
Season continues to 1 March 2025
Information and Bookings: www.thebutterflyclub.com
Image: Turning 25 (supplied)
Review: June Collins