QTC kick off their 2014 season with a corker of a comedy. 'Australia Day' is a strikingly witty play, written by Jonathan Biggins, that encourages audiences to see the intricacy and stereotypical complexities that make up modern Australia's culture.
Set in the Aussie country town of Coriole where life is laidback and carefree, the play revolves around six quirky characters who are all members of the Australia Day committee. Unable to agree on what it means to be a 'true blue' Aussie, the audience follows the chaos and confusion that ensues.
Described as a 'bang-up-to-the-moment barbecue-stopper of a comedy', the production aims to be thought-provoking and political while also comic and light-hearted entertainment. Directed by Andrea Moor, the production also stars Paul Bishop as the Mayor. A role that sits comfortably since his day job is as a Brisbane City Councillor.
Queensland Theatre Company actor Lap Phan, who plays Chester is the production, explains the show. “It is a very funny political play centring on a broad cross-section of Australian characters that all live in a fictional seaside town. And who are also trying to organise Australia Day festivities.”
Lap's character in 'Australia Day' is a Vietnamese Australian who is dealing with feeling as though he is not quite fitting in. “Chester is an Australian with Vietnamese veneer, the son of a boat person, which is also what I am. He represents the changing face of Australia.
“I have had to come to terms with racism in my life, and I have had to ask myself how this has affected me. Is racism still prevalent and do we fight it? Or is it just a part of life? Is everyone just a little bit racist? There is a deeper level to 'Australia Day' which I have had to grasp.” He may be biased but he thinks QTC is onto a winner. “The show is hilarious, it's a really funny, sensible play that is riddled with jokes the whole way through.” Usually Lap Phan, like many Aussies, will chill out with a few drinks and Triple J's hottest 100 on Australia Day, however this year he will be giving the performance of a lifetime at Queensland Performing Arts Centre. The show runs for a limited time and it sounds as though it is worth travelling any distance to see it.
