Players Wrestle With Tough Script (Press, 16 June 1975)
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Summary: Players Wrestle With Tough Script (Press, 16 June 1975)
The Riccarton Players presented a production of "Female Transport," a play by Australian playwright Steve Gooch, directed by Doug Clarke. The play, which ran from 14 to 21 June 1975 at the Nelson Street Hall, focuses on the experiences of six female convicts on their journey to Botany Bay. Despite its limited plot, the play offers rich opportunities for character development and powerful performances. This performance marked what is believed to be the first production of "Female Transport" in New Zealand. The characters include a variety of personalities, such as a brash pickpocket, experienced prostitutes, a rebellious woman who has attacked the law, a lesbian con artist, and a reluctant matron. Five of these women reach Sydney, where the harsh realities of their existence profoundly impact them. While the Riccarton Players maintained a commendable overall standard, the review suggests they did not fully exploit the play's potential, particularly in displaying the complexity of the dialogue. The interactions among the prisoners, along with their encounters with Tommy the gaoler, his Sergeant, and the initially compassionate ship’s surgeon, provide the dramatics that are central to the piece. However, the production was affected by cuts that removed strong language, possibly diluting emotional depth, and by the inexperience of the cast, resulting in a somewhat superficial tone. Notable performances included Janet Jamieson, who delivered a powerful portrayal, and Pearl Carpenter, with Jean McKenzie, Linda Scott, Peggy Millar, and Barbara Ambrosius also showing commendable performances. Richard Parsons effectively depicted the character development of Tommy, while Ray Sangrouber faced challenges in conveying the sergeant’s authority. The review credits Geoff Cole and Doug Clarke for completing the cast. Despite its shortcomings, the review expresses optimism for the play, noting that with audience support, it has the potential to improve significantly. The production already exhibited more pace than many local efforts, making it a worthwhile endeavour overall.
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