BLUE MOOSE THEATRE PRODUCTIONS
Heartworm
Review Highlights
A lot can change in a week. Meet Ann Hill, Veterinary Surgeon with one foot in reality and the other in outer space. Everything in Ann's life should be great. She has the home, the business, the partner, the kid. So why is she not happy? When life gets too much, it can be easier to leave the planet.
Written and performed by Shirley Van Sanden; directed by Craig Williams and Shirley Van Sanden; Soundscape by Craig Williams, Digital Set by Nancy Jones, Lighting Design by Joe Lui.
Image: Shirley Van Sanden, Graphic Designer/Photographer Alex Manfrin
"Heartworm" was orignially supported by The Blue Room Theatre and STAGES the WA Playwright's Consortium.
“Heartworm is a metaphoric title, reflecting the emotional highs and lows travelled in the minutiae of a week in the life of a suburban Perth vet, and giving the sustained and distinct impression of a character close to the edge, living in the margins of social and emotional fulfilment. The main character examines her relationships with her “better half”, her teenaged “progeny”, her work colleagues, female relatives from her past, her veterinary vocation, her health, her vanished dreams of youth… and the young hard-bodied eye candy at the gym. Heartworm avoids becoming “yet another play” about menopausal crisis and existential angst, bringing darkly humorous insights, science-fiction references and technical deftness to the treatment of these themes. “
Nerida Dickinson, ArtsHub, 21/11/2011***
“As the performer, Shirley Van Sanden delivered a notably sustained solo performance, carrying all the roles with seeming ease. Particularly admirable was her ability to clearly take each side of a conversation and convey the impression of a chaotically crowded vet clinic, with no more than a chair and a table on the bare stage with her. Her confidence and deft comic timing work well with her physical humour and believable animal impressions to mix some levity into the drama while also showcasing her considerable range of dramatic prowess.”
Nerida Dickinson, ArtsHub, 21/11/2011***
“The technical side impressed with incredibly tight timing, fitting in precisely with the flow of the monologue, while integrated graphic projections created the set, enhanced the clarity of meaning and assisted with narrative flow. The sound work was spot on throughout, with effects and stings setting time and place without a hitch. The focus pulling on the images closely reflected the time and distance in memory of each anecdote.”
Nerida Dickinson, ArtsHub, 21/11/2011***
“Yeah, yeah, so it’s a mid-life crisis tale, but it’s not about shallow, stereotypical boob jobs and convertibles. Ann is an endearing character, who despite her intellectual-speak, is human deep-down with a heart of gold.”
Adrienne Gross, Australian Stage, 21/11/2011
“Van Sanden kept the pace seamless between at least 7 characters – with different accents at that. And don’t forget the realistic animal acting, each with their own personality.”
Adrienne Gross, Australian Stage, 21/11/2011
“Adding to the constant interest was the clever and original set design. There may seem only to be minimal on-stage set-up, but the lighting and sounds effects by Craig Williams enliven the space. Dogs barking, phones ringing, cats meowing; it all bubbles together to create the overwhelming stress of Ann’s life. Sound also helps to transition between the many scenes, through to the airport, the surgery, to a messy house and wistful jacaranda memories.”
Adrienne Gross, Australian Stage, 21/11/2011
“Indeed the climax is especially confronting; the room was so quiet one could hear the doof doof from nightclubs down the road”
Adrienne Gross, Australian Stage, 21/11/2011
“One character plays are the soufflés of the theatre repertoire. The ingredients and treatment must be just right, or else it’ll all fall in a heap. Despite the unappetizing title, Heartworm is a delicious combination of thoughtful scriptwriting and professional
Empowering performance, leaving your spirit risen.”
Adrienne Gross, Australian Stage, 21/11/2011
“Heartworm is superbly written story which takes us from the routine of everyday, to confronting situations and tragedy. This 75-minute one-man play was filled with fascinating topics, fresh ideas, comedy and poignant moments. A rich script crammed full with several original themes.”
Gordon the Optom, Theatre Australia, 9/11/2011
“With an expressive face and various accents, from Kiwi to cockatiel, she grabbed the audience and held their interest without a single flicker in her performance.”
Gordon the Optom, Theatre Australia, 9/11/2011
