Steven Mitchell Wright has developed a reputation for challenging his audiences and inviting them into fantastical worlds of subversive culture.
After baring witness to his most recent creation, it also falls comfortably under that umbrella, kind of like an episode of 'Horrible Histories' on acid. 'Caligula' aims to question morality and our sense of self as modern beings versus who we are as documented in history, through a roundabout telling of the story of a man otherwise known as Julius Caesar.
As one of history's most notorious rulers and debaucherous lovers, Caligula seems like a good figure to examine when it comes to pushing our moral boundaries and the play certainly does this in spades. The visuals are bold and often the strength of the show, along with the wonderful soundtrack mostly sung by the talented Lucinda Shaw. The dialogue thrown around by the cast alludes to the story being played out and is at times entertaining, often confronting and other times a little lost.
The performances were most fluid and coherent when the dancers expressed the story through their bodies and the connection or in some cases the disconnection (where it needed to be felt) was at its strongest. The most enjoyable dialogue came about toward the end of the show when two of the characters were almost seeing how far they could push each others buttons, which produced some chuckles for the audience along with the desired cringes. 'Caligula' was enjoyable and certainly posed some interesting questions about our cultures and attitudes.
To be enjoyed to its fullest, a brief background to the story of Caesar is recommended as well as some insight into more recent social issues among the LGBT community, otherwise some viewers may be left wondering what it's all about. However those not privy to the undertones can certainly enjoy the show as a work of art.
'Caligula' plays at the Judith Wright Centre until July 12.
