There are few shows dubbed a ‘movement’, but 'Rent' isn’t like most productions. The Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning show has long been a fan favourite.
On the verge of its 30th birthday, it still resonates with its exploration of important themes like love, community and friendship.
This current production at the Sydney Opera House is directed by Shaun Rennie. He is no stranger to the piece, having made his directorial debut at the Hayes Theatre with 'Rent' in 2015. Fast forward a decade and this new production is incendiary. It blew the roof off of the Joan Sutherland Theatre and that wasn’t just because of its incredible harmonies (and there were plenty).
The late Jonathan Larson wrote the music and lyrics to 'Rent'. He sadly passed away on the eve of the show’s first performance. This gives the numbers and storyline a sometimes messy but ultimately human feel. This may not be a polished to perfection story, but it doesn’t really need to be, as it still resonates. It excels at spotlighting characters who were traditionally marginalised or ignored (and holds up a mirror to the audience too, should they let it).
Henry Rollo plays documentary filmmaker, Mark whose girlfriend Maureen (Calista Nelmes) has left him for a lawyer named Joanne (Imani Williams). Mark lives in New York’s East Village with his roommate Roger (the sweet Harry Targett). The latter is a musician who falls in love with a gorgeous but unwell dancer named Mimi (Kristin Paulse).
This ramshackle bunch live in an apartment building now owned by Benny (a villainous Tana Laga’aia) who was their former roommate. The characters are all interesting in their own unique ways, but the undisputed heart and soul of this play is the gender-fluid character, Angel. Jesse Dutlow brings an abundance of strength and sensitivity to the proceedings playing Angel and we are all rooting for their romance with the delightful poet Collins (Googoorewon Knox).
Image © Neil Bennett
The story is loosely based on 'La Bohème' by composer, Giacomo Puccini. It also has autobiographical elements from Larson’s own life story thread through it. The plot is all about looking at the poverty of these bohemian artists struggling to eke out a living in a capitalist society. There are also several HIV-positive characters and in the early '90s, where this play is set, this diagnosis is tantamount to a death sentence.
This young cast are simply incredible. The production features number after number of vocal powerhouse performances. There are so many incredible melodies brought to life by musical director, Jack Earle. There are many electric, rocking numbers but the show also slows down the pace for quieter moments of introspection like in the haunting 'Will I?' which is set at an AIDS support group.
The set by Dann Barber is one that is moved by the cast and features industrial-inspired pieces and hard, metallic shapes. Ella Butler’s costumes are a balance of gritty and artsy, reflecting the characters’ impoverished positions (they can’t afford their rent. . . Something that sounds eerily familiar in today’s cost of living crisis). The lighting design by Paul Jackson heightens all these emotive moments. Some visual elements really stand out like in 'La Vie Boheme' when the ensemble evokes The Last Supper.
'Seasons Of Love' is the score’s most famous song. It sees the ensemble getting the audience to contemplate the number of minutes in a year and its greater implications. It makes us think about how life is lived in so many ‘todays’. On opening night, we're treated to a reprise of this song during the curtain call with the cast of the original Australian production of 'Rent'. To say it's electrifying would be an understatement.
'Rent' is a celebration of human fragility and about finding your own chosen family. It’s incredibly life-affirming to see this group of passionate, struggling artists negotiate various everyday issues with dignity and spirit. This show is so emotionally stirring, it tugs at your heartstrings and will stay with you long after you’ve left the theatre.
Words: Natalie Salvo
