“In the chaos, she knows herself,” says the maternal René of her sister, the eponymous character in this return season of Barbara and the Camp Dogs, a rock musical with a star turn by Ursula Yovich, that we’ll be talking about for years to come.
Penned by Yovich and playwright Alana Valentine, Barbara (Yovich) is a brilliant creation. Here is a fierce woman pushing back against a world that wants to shrink her down to nothing. But this is also a story of two Aboriginal sisters who embark on a difficult if often, riotously funny journey. The incredibly warm René (Elaine Crombie), more than anyone understands why Barbara must encase her trauma in an impenetrable bubble.
The Belvoir auditorium seems wholly transformed for this work. There is a blurred line as to where the audience ends, and the stage action begins. There are spots for punters in comfy, mismatched couches or at tables and chairs, a little more than an arm’s length away from the actors. These lucky few unwittingly become denizens of a pub band room, a sweaty space you don’t see in Sydney anymore.
It fits our sisters are broke rock musicians, who in chunky black heels, leather pants and feathers (costumes by Chloe Greaves) strut a wonderfully lurid carpet you imagine has its own stories to tell (set design by Stephen Curtis). All the design elements, (not forgetting Steve Toulmin’s sound or Karen Norris’ lighting), contribute to creating a show big on atmosphere.
The songwriting is good, even if the melodies are a bit samey, and the sequencing of scenes and songs is well crafted. Yovich and Crombie’s strong vocals, as well as the contribution of Marcus Corowa (who makes a late but moving appearance as Barbara’s estranged brother, Joseph) and the tight backing band (guitarist Sorcha Albuquerque, drummer Michelle Vincent and bassist /musical director Jessica Dunn), ensure the material is delivered with total commitment.
Director Letitia Cáceres finds a good rhythm for the piece, but with respect, the best thing she does here is getting out of the way of the performers. Yovich and company know exactly what they are doing, and precisely what is required. And the parting message for us is to listen, really listen to Indigenous Australians.
This piece is surely destined to become a modern classic. Don’t miss it.
Veronica Hannon, Theatre Now Sydney
Barbara & The Camp Dogs
Ursula Yovich & Alana Valentine
4 – 28 April 2019
Tuesday 6.30pm
Wednesday 6.30pm
Thursday 1pm & 7.30pm
Friday 7.30pm
Saturday 2pm & 7.30pm
Sunday 5pm
Previews
7.30pm, 4 April
Opening Night (invitation only)
7.30pm, 5 April
Post-show Q&A
16 April, directly following the performance
Thursday Matinee
1pm, 18 April
Belvoir Briefing
6.30pm, 2 April
Venue: Belvoir: Upstairs
Theatre Company: Belvoir Theatre
Duration: 1 Hour 40 Minutes (No Interval)
Yep, she’s back. Before embarking on a national tour, 2017’s smash hit returns to Belvoir for a special encore season.
Part road story, part family drama, part political cry from the heart, Barbara and the Camp Dogs is a deeply personal play and high-octane rock gig all in one, featuring the powerhouse duo of Ursula Yovich and Elaine Crombie, and a very tight band keeping the night alive.
Barbara blew the roof off Belvoir last year, and the demand from around the country has risen to a clamour – it had to come back. So if you missed it last time, here’s your chance. And if you were lucky enough to see it, well it’s just as good the second, third or fourth time around (we speak from experience). It’s important, it’s bloody well done, and it’s fiercely entertaining.
“This is a wonderfully stirring show, funny and moving. It enriches the heart.” The Australian
Produced in association with Vicki Gordon Music Productions Pty Ltd
Indigenous theatre at Belvoir supported by The Balnaves Foundation
CAST
Troy Brady
Elaine Crombie
Ursula Yovich
Musicians
Michelle Vincent
Jessica Dunn
Sorcha Albuquerque
Songs by Alana Valentine, Ursula Yovich, & Adm Ventoura*
Set Designer Stephen Curtis
Costume Designer Chloe Greaves
Lighting Designer Karen Norris
Sound Designer Steve Toulmin
Musical Rehearsal Director Adm Ventoura
*Vicki Gordon also contributed music to ‘Tick Sista’, Merenia Gillies contributed music to ‘Chained to You’, and James Warwick Shipstone contributed to ‘Pieces’.
Ticket Prices
* Seniors prices are available with an eligible Australian Government-issued Seniors Card.
† Concession prices are available with a full-time Australian student card, all Centrelink Pensioner concession cards and Veteran Affairs’ cards. For 2019 productions, these prices can also be accessed by Industry members of Actors Equity (MEAA), AACTA, ASMA, ASDA, ARDA, AFTT, Australian Academy of Dramatic Arts, Actors Centre, Performance Space, Australian Writers’ Guild, Artshub and the Writing NSW.
# 30-Down and Student Saver prices are available for Previews, Wednesday evening, Thursday evening, Friday evening, Saturday matinee, Saturday evening.
^ Tickets to Sunday performances have an added $5 surcharge.
