“Enticing, experimental, exciting”
Kate Stratford
4 Virtuosos
Venue: Hayes Theatre
Sydney
Dates: 8th January to 1st February 2025
Dave Malloy’s Ghost Quartet has its origins as a concept album of 4 sides with a series of track numbers. Its narrative draws upon Edgar Allan Poe, tales from Scheherazade, urban legends, the ghost of Thelonious Monk and a few other random references. Brandon Pape’s direction ensures the intention is delivered with an authentic feel but the best aspect of the show is the performance of the cast. Cameron Bajraktarevic-Hayward, David Butler, an amazing Hany Lee and Willow Sizer bring both musical virtuosity and passion to the performance.
The show is a feast both visually and aurally. The lighting design (Sidney Younger) underscores the mood of each musical item – or “track number”. Each track number is an interpretation of a genre of music but tending to lean heavily into country, folk and blues. The four performers occupy a space which is eclectic, homey and inviting; full of the detritus of memory as well as the many musical instruments they all play.
Theatre should be a challenging medium and when it pushes against its own structures and boundaries there can be exciting new ways to explore the human condition and experience. Think of the work of Beckett or Artaud or Brecht. Ghost Quartet certainly disputes the more traditional form of a theatre musical but the fractured narrative makes it difficult to follow at times and may alienate more traditional expectations. However, its experimental nature is to be lauded and who knows where it may lead?
This is a concept which dances along the line of concert and musical theatre. An extremely talented cast tango that line with skill, talent and commitment. It does ask us to consider the evolution of live entertainment and definition of genre as it seeks to explore old and new stories and the connections between them though words and music.
Enticing, experimental, exciting.
4 virtuosos
Images by Angel Lega / 3 Fates Media
Kate Stratford, Theatre Now
