The Age from Melbourne, Victoria, Australia • Page 14

14 THE AGE, Thursday 11 April 1985 (edited by Anthony Clarke Dickins takes a walk a suburban memory down lane Predictable, but good for a few laughs FILMS Neil Jillett THEATRE In themselves these monologues are entertaining. They contain some of Dickins's wittiest and sharpest writing. But in the end it is the absence of dramatic tension, and also form, which begins to tell. One leaves the theatre with a nagging sense of dissatisfaction. Something more is needed.

Director Bruce Myles and his' four players obviously sense the problem. That presumably is why they play the piece straight through, although the program indicates an interval. A coffee break would have cut the mood, and made the task of building up the interest again after interval near-impossible. Two of the four actors Faye Brendrups and Fred Strauks double as musicians. However the main burden of the evening falls on the shoulders of Graeme Blun-dell and Janet Andrewartha.

They bear it very capably. Blundell in particular is completely at home in the role of the larrikin hero. He doesn't have to fake a Reservoir background. It is there naturally, to be drawn on when the occasion demands. But he is an excellent caricaturist too.

And his impersonations of the confused, tub-thumping Reverend Laurie Throttle, not to men THE early plays of Barry Dick-ins were strong on victim characters. If it wasn't the police who were out to get Dickins's men and women, it was priests, parents, dentists or lobotomists. Success and wide public exposure, however, have dimmed that particular fire. Morbidity and introspection are out these days; nostalgia and sentiment are in. Reservoir by Night' (at Russell Street) is 115 minutes of unashamed sentiment, laced as Dickins's writing always is with wit and with flashes of comic brilliance and absurdity.

It is Dickins's affectionate tribute to the suburb where he was born and reared. In the company of Graeme Blun-dell (himself a product of Reservoir) and friends, he takes his audience on a conducted tour of the past This cosy and uncritical journey down memory lane begins in 1945 when Dickens's father, back from dodging bullets in Papua New Guinea, unsheathes his ceremonial Japanese sword and proceeds to lay waste to the couch grass and nettles on his soldier settlement block. Here in the backblocks of Melbourne, where the nearest shop is a mile and a half away and "every- tion his puffed-up baths bully, are among the highlights of the show. Janet Andrewartha slips easily and confidently from role to role as well, scoring her chief success in the part of a cheery "mother of 28" addicted to snowballs and "The Herald treats you like you've got a Unlike the MTCs other current Australian offering, 'Sons of Cain', this is a piece which retreats from today's world into a comfortable world of the past One is strongly dramatic, the other, romantically evocative. Take your pick.

BRIEFLY SIDNEY NOLAN'S 'Trio' at Heidi (7 Templestowe Road, Bul-leen; ends 19 May) has the artist once again playing fast-and-loose with another literary (and indeed mythical) subject, this time the works of Arthur Rimbaud. The bulk of the works in the exhibition (painted in 1982) purportedly deal with Rimbaud's sequence of prose-poems, 'Les Illuminations', most of which were composed when the poet was barely 17 years of age. instances, except where boldly silhouetted white motifs are employed like beacons in the night Persson exploits a symbolic repertoire seemingly inspired by natural phenomena, especially the elements and plant forms. A stylised lightning bolt neatly cuts one canvas in halves, while in others, parts of slightly baroque plant tendrils disrupt the blackness in a manner which is simultaneously attractive and menacing. An image of a lamb is quite representational and leads to associations with vulnerability, innocence and biblical stories.

It is tempting to interpret Persson's themes and imagery as a romance with death (a luxury more affordable to the younger artist, perhaps?) Graeme Blundell in 'Reservoir by Night': completely at home as the larrikin hero. Persson has a black-and-white romance with Leonard Radic thing is wheatgerm and the soldier and his bride proceed to build their "little bit of 'Reservoir by Night is a musical show about that brick veneer and weatherboard world and the little people who inhabited it: the English teacher, the local copper, the baths bully, the nervy Housing Commission mum, the Bible-bashing Baptist minister, the dreamers, the "sharpies" and the lost and bewildered youth. The material for it has been drawn largely from Dickins's autobiographical 'Gift of the Gab'. There are songs, poems and character sketches. There are moments of lyricism, moments of tenderness, and a good many moments of unpredictable comedy.

But while it is theatre, it isn't drama. The opening sketch in which the tongue-tied soldier-husband and his bride shyly and awkwardly confess their love is the nearest thing to a dramatic sketch. The rest of the evening is mostly monologue. ART Arthur Mclntyre of the mildly successful Oz invasion of the Big Apple during the latter half of 1984). Persson's talent and success are both precocious.

His Yuill Crowley Sydney debut consists of two groups of fairly small-scale works limited to black and white and presented in installation formats which are conceived with the proportions of this gallery's wall spaces in mind. The calculated placement of units (drawings and paintings) in aesthetically satisfying combinations leaves Persson open to possible charges of exploitation of AUCTION THIS UNIQUE SECLUDED PROPERTY IN TOORAK'S FINEST BOULEVARD AFFORDS AM OPPORTUNITY TO PURCHASE A RARELY ATTAINABLE RIVER-FRONT FREEHOLD OFFERING A DOUBLE-STOREY SOLID BRICK HOME ORIENTATED TO CAPTURE OUTSTANDING VIEWS AND FURTHER ENHANCED BY A DELIGHTFUL NORTH-FACING TERRACED GARDEN ON LAND IN EXCESS OF 17,000 SO. FT. death with idiosyncratic conviction and genuine interest Moynihan depicts himself as part of that extinct (although one was reportedly sighted not so long ago) breed, the Tasmanian Tiger, lost and confused in an alien environment (memories of 'Greystoke' and 'L'Enfant Sauvage') in a series of confronting and aggressively humorous etchings. The plight of the lone artist in Paris, coping with a cell-like studio and unco-operative natives is not an agreeable one.

Moynihan juxtaposes man, beast and studio in ways which can make the viewer squirm with recognition and identification. Inner torment and frustration are given an external presence in what must amount to acts of catharsis. personality and a poetic sensibility at work. DANIEL MOYNIHAN at Studio Graphics also employs black and white, (and greys) but in a rather more conventional and figurative manner. His etchings, executed in Paris at the Atelier Lacouriere et Frelaut while the artist occupied the Power Studio at the Cite International des Arts recently, are grouped under the heading 'Tasmanian Tiger in Paris'.

One is struck, initially, by devices which recall the late George Baldessin and it comes as no surprise to note that these two Melbourne artists were contemporaries. Baldessin's influence, however, does not prevent Moynihan from imbuing his prints SYDNEY. Several Melbourne-based artists have been injecting some welcome vitality into Sydney's commercial galleries lately. The two most interesting shows from down south have been housed in small, discriminating galleries noted for their commendable disregard for lowest common denominator tastes and the dictates of fashion (some would say the same thing!) Steig Persson is in his mid-20s and has been stirring up plenty of interest in his native Melbourne with solo exhibitions at United Artists and commendations in the Keith and Elizabeth Murdoch Travelling Fellowship. Some of his work was purchased from 'The Australians', mounted at the CDS Gallery in New York, for the Metropolitan Museum last year (part SOMERS decorative (as in interior) flair.

But I am sure Persson is bright enough to counter such criticism with convincing argument. These days, of course, "decoration" is not such a dirty word in post-modernist high art circles! The long wall at YuillCrowley's is hung with about 30 units, most of which are small drawings in charcoal and blackboard paint on paper and carefully framed in gold. About half a dozen paintings on reversed canvas punctuate the overall layout and help to give the entire installation focus. The canvasses are dominantly dark fields activated by a host of linear devices in black on black. It is very much a case of now you see it, now you don't in most HAMPTON 56 On the smaller gallery wall Persson's 'The Garden' features 20 very small drawings seemingly inspired by the eternal mysteries associated with fire, water and air and embellished with a decidedly funeral scattering of plastic flowers painted in glossy black.

This is a garden of the occult and the magical, where the perfume of deadly nightshade lingers and light seldom penetrates. Persson's working title is 'After Colour' and he might have done well to adhere strickly to black and white. His gold frames and embellishments are distracting contrivances which provide a note of unwelcome preciousness. This reservation aside, 'After Colour' is a memorable show signifying dramatic dualities in artistic KEW AUCTIONS KINGSTON STREET 103 Wellington Street AN EXCEPTIONALLY CHARMING AND PICTURESQUE TIMBER HOME IN A SPLENDID POSITION AUCTION SATURDAY 4TH MAY AT 1 PM INSPECT: THURSDAY 11-12 NOON BULLEEN Superb Double Storey home SATURDAY 27th APRIL, 11 A.M. LOT 57, MIRAMAR ROAD.

Situated on one of the highest points in Somers. This Magnificent Residential Allotment has unique sweeping views from French Island to Phillip Island, The Nobbies and the majority of Westernport Bay, close to walkway to excellent swimming beach and adjoins rural land. HASTINGS OFFICE (059) 791888; AH (0S9) 897388 SOUTH YARRA AS an attempt to revive the style of 1940s British film humor, 'Water (Hoyts) is a very limited success; but in its tame, predictable way it does offer a reasonable quota of laughs. Even if, after a promisingly zany opening, it runs out of steam and zest, it does totter along in a passably good-humored way. The script, by Dick Clement (who also directs), Ian La Frenais and Bill Persky, seems heavily indebted to two of the best Ealing comedies, 'Whisky Galore' (1948) and 'Passport to Pimlico' (1949).

Cascara, an apparently worthless British island colony in the Caribbean, is about to gain a sort of independence when a huge and valuable supply of mineral water is discovered. The pot-smoking governor (Michael Caine) rallies the people to exploit the water for their own benefit 'Water takes potshots at many targets, from Cuban communism and US imperialism to environ-mentalism and French cooking. There is nothing wrong with such a. scatter-gun approach if the shots are savagely on target But this film's satirical armory consists of little more than tired jokes, polite sneers and tattered whimsy. Among the targets only Mrs Thatcher (a brutally etched cameo by Maureen Lipman) might feel she has reason to be offended.

The script muffles many of its potentially snappy gags in excessive wordiness. The listless direction means that few scenes build to exuberant climaxes. And Scottish comedian Billy Connolly (as the leader of the two-man Cascara Liberation Front) actually manages to be unfunny. Even so, as a blundering return to the good old days of the British cinema, 'Water' inspires a certain affection. It wraps older members of the audience in a nostalgic glow, while youngsters may be fooled into thinking there is something new in its recycled humor.

11 FURNEAUX GROVE in a most desirable location. 4 Spac. lounge with feature O.F.P, sep formal diningroom, dream kit with W0, HP, dishwasher. 2nd bled bathrm, superb upstairs GAMESFAMILYR0OM, gas ducted heating air-cond, manicured block with double LU garage. Inspect Wed, Sat, prior to auction 2.00 pm.

AUCTION SAT. 13TH AP1IL AT 12 NOON. 44 CLENDON ROAD THIS MOSTIMPRESSIVE SINGLE STOREY RESIDENCE WELL ORIENTATED AND SUPERBLY APPOINTED TO GIVE SUPERIOR FAMILY ACCOMMODATION IN THIS COVETED POSITION, CLOSE TO ALL AMENITIES. 3 double bedrooms with OFP's Heated pool and spt hdoor sauna; ext cabana Former stables converted to ganging Ducted heating mrougrout "Mansion In Miniature" Fine historic Victorian brick res. with N-S tennis court and profuse "olde worlde" treed garden on superb 1828 sq site approx.

Comprises: Arch. col. hallway, 2 most impressive reception rooms, fine OFPs, kitchen b'fast room, 3 bedrooms, all OFPs unique orig. period bathroom double LU carport to rear lane. 68 Beaver Street ROY SATCH WELL Co.

Pty. Ltd. R.E.S.I. AUCTION WEDNESDAY 1st MAY AT 3 PM Kew Office 80 6161, AH David Plant 857 6006. Kew Office 80-4473 AH: Ron Thomason 560-3692.

HEATHMONT 7 ARINQA COURT Prime Development Site or Secluded Estate? Rare opportunity to acquire your own private country estate "Aringa" being a post Edwardian timber farmhouse of character. 13 Baloarring Village, Balnarrlng. (059) 895589 95 High St, Hastings. (059) 79 1888; AH (059) 839 880. MALVERN EAST A MOST CLEVER AND IMAGINATIVE CONVERSION OF A VICTORIAN SHOP INTO A TOWNHOUSE OF EXTRAORDINARY VITALITY.

AUCTION SATURDAY 11TH MAY AT 11 AM INSPECT: SATURDAY 12-1 PM T00RAK 100 ST. GEORGE'S RD. AUCTION WEDNESDAY 8TH MAY AT 3.00 P.M. 1 DAVIS AVENUE SOUTH YARRA 108 PARK STREET A SPLENDID TWO BEDROOM VICTORIAN HOUSE WITH LOFTY CEILINGS IN AN AREA OF OUTSTANDING NATURAL BEAUTY. ONE HUNDRED METRES FROM THE BOTANIC GARDENS.

AUCTION SATURDAY, 2 APRIL AT 11.N AM INSPECT: THURSDAYS 11-12 NOON, SATURDAYS 2-3 PM OR BY APPOINTMENT. 102 Orton Street RIVER FRONTAGE Impressive solid brick late Edwardian residence with many architectural features characteristic of the era. This home is in excellent order and includes ent foyer, formal lounge, sep. diningroom adj. Merchant builder's kitchen, large familyroom.

3 excel, bedrooms, modern bathroom, LU garage, ROW at rear, AG pool and sprinkler system. AUCTION SATURDAY 27th APRIL AT 11 AM Malvern Office 509 7188, AH Peter Fonstin 428 2549. rar -M OCEAN GROVE Situated onamagnfficentblockof land. Property Bedrms.3 Reception rooms withO.F.P.'s, T.V. Room, 2 Bathrms, Scullerylaundry, Storage sheds, huge 4 car garage.

Land size 171 acres-possible future potential for re-development subject to council permit AUCTION SATURDAY 20TH APRIL AT PM. Inspect Thursdays 2-3 pm. other times by appointment Agents in conjunction: Gardner Lang Pty. Ltd, 1 1 61 Burke Road, Kew 80-4473. AH: 560-3692, 836-8416.

C.E Carter 4 Son Pty Ltd, 1 22 Whrtehorse Road, Ringwood, 870-621 1, AH: 870-0890, 729-5182. Comprising Picturesque terraced courtyard to entrance ball, spacious loungeroom with O.F.P. opening to sunroom with fitted bar, both rooms gaining maximum advantage of parkland and Yarra River views, separate diningroom serviced by a butler's pantry and compact kitchen. Upstairs: Two double bedrooms, excellent B.I.R.S with master bedroom opening to north-facing Hagstone sundeck. Family bathroom and separate W.C Included Separate maid's bedroom, laundry, second toilet and two single L.U.

garages. INSPECT: SUNDAYS 1.30-2.30 P.M. OR BY APPOINTMENT ANY TIME. TOORAK HAWTHORN EAST 9 Cambridge Street Victorian Villa, attractively presented and extended brick home, well located, close all facilities. Features: Entrance hall, sittingrm.

with OFP, Sep. diningrm. with marble mantel. 3 bedrooms with ES oft main, study, custom kitchen overlooking familyroom, 2nd bathroom, well laid out garden incl. barbecue area, LU garage, gas ducted heating.

AUCTION SATURDAY 27th APRIL AT 10.30 AM Kew Office 80 6161, AH Peter Leonard 898 3584. HAWTHORN EAST 4 Beaconsfield Rd. Superb 1195 sq (12,870 sq ft) approx. redevelopment site. Approx.

23.8 (78') frontage providing ideal scope to build 2 luxury townhouses (subject to council approval). This is a vacant level site retaining estab. trees, in a select location just off Riversdale Road, easy flat walk to all the amenities of Camber-well Junction. AUCTION SATURDAY 4th MAY AT 10.30 PM Conj. Agents.

GOUDIE WILLIAMS PL 245 Park SL, Sth. Melbourne 6997299, AH 6992030. R. G. WOODARD PL, 471 Riversdale Camberwell Junction 813 3333, AH Peter Batrouney 823875.

RodneyL Morley-Hu- 420 Toorak Toorak. 2400756. Rodney Morley AH 2400756 Joe Guberek AH 523 6826 OUTSTANDING BEACHFRONT LOCATION AND SPECTACULAR OCEAN VIEWS FROM THE PORT PHILLIP HEADS TO BARWON HEADS BLUFF. ACCOUNT DR. R.

M. MUNRO. Auction Friday, 2S April, 1185 at J.M pm Without doubt one of the finest views along the Victorian coast this large modern home of approximately thirty two squares offers four bedroom accommodation plus a heated swimming pool and room for a tennis court (subject to Council approval). Colour brochure available. Inspection strictly by appointment.

MALVERN EAST 15 Karma Avenue NORTH BALWYN 45 GARDENIA ROAD Ideally located close Greythorn shops, access Eastern Freeway SUPERB HOMESITE WITH NORTHERLY ASPECT. LAND: 54774' 132' APPROX. Adjoins Parkland at rear, (with incomplete 4 room timber house) Inspect Thursday 11 am-12 noon. AUCTION NEXT SATURDAY 13 APRIL AT 12 NOON Lindsay Brownell Ml 211 (AH 2t5l51) NORTH BALWYN 23 TUXEN STREET Choice high location off Balwyn Rd. corner Duggan SL COMPRISES: Entrance foyer, study, large livingroom with open fireplace, double doors to formal diningroom, guests powder room, fully fitted kitchen, informal breakfastVfamilyroom area, laundry with outside access.

Master bedroom with full wall of built-in robes and ensulte, 2 further bedrooms both of excellent proportions and fitted wimbuittn robes, plus a 3 Double garage underneath (with direct access via internal staircase)! Excellent storage area. features include remote controlled garage doors, full sprinkler system, security system and first quality neutural carpet and curtains fitted throughout Inspect Wednesday and Saturday 2-3 pm. or strictly by appointment with Auctioneers. AUCTION WEDNESDAY 1ST MAY AT 3.00 PM. AH: M.Trenchard 20-4215.

KEW 87 PAKINGTON STREET RESIDENCE IN BOTANIC SETTING. Spacious lounge diningroom opens to marble floored sunrnnnv ennri hntrnnme 3nt bedroom or den. superb allotment 60 eni ICC t14h wam .1 T'- shrubs. VIEW: Wednesday 11-12 Saturday 1.30-2 pm. CAMBERWELL 55 Prospect Hill Road Exceptionally fine Edwardian brick residence, meticulously restored with striking period features and an aura of serenity and quiet grandeur blending with most tasteful modernisation.

Incl: Splendid kitchen, 3 bathrooms and gas cent htg. OTHER ACCOM: Magnificent master bedroom with arched inglenook OFP en suite bathroom, 3 other large children's bedrooms, spacious formal livingroom, marble OFP, large diningroom, study etc. Delightful solar heated poolnagstone surrounds. Double carportplantroom. AUCTION SATURDAY 4th MAY AT 2 PM Camberwell Office 8133333, AH John Saunders 255996.

KEW 4 Moonbria Avenue Nr. Genazano Quality and position. Very well kept and improved solid brick home of 7 good rooms. Incl: Superb living, (with split air cond.) and adj. northern sun rm large kitchen, 3 bathrm.

with shr. sep. WC, laundry and garage. Ducted heating. o-o- LAND: 15.815.5 3942.3 approx.

AUCTION SATURDAY 21th APRIL AT 2 PM Kew Office 80 6161, AH Peter Leonard 8983584. AND BEAUTIFULLY PRESENTED SOLID BRICK THREE BEDROOM CENTRALLY HEATED FAMILY HOME IN A HIGHLY SOUGHT AFTER POSITION. Auction Saturday, 13 April at 12.M noon Inspect Thursdays and Saturdays 2-3 pm. Agents in conjunction: Selleck and Cole 137 Canterbury Rd, Toorak. Telephone: 241 8828, AH 8187327.

TOORAK 16 Springfield Avenue Apartment Two A BEAUTIFULLY MAINTAINED TWO BEDROOM GROUND FLOOR STRATA TILED APARTMENT WITH A COURTYARD GARDEN WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE OF THE VILLAGE. Auction Saturday, 2t April, at 12 noon we offer an entrance hall, sitting and diningroom, kitchen, bathroom with separate WC, shower and bat. Two large bedrooms, laundry facilities, undercover car parking, central heating. Inspect Thursdays and Saturdays 2-3 pm or by appointment 100 SUCCESS RATE WITH AUCTIONS Philippe Batters proudly announces that every auction we have had this year has either sold prior to auction, at auction, or in one case, shortly afterwards. AUCTION SATURDAY 2TH APRIL AT 12 NOON Lindsay Brownell Ml 1211 (AH 21 SMI) KEW 3 RAVEN STREET Quiet Leafy Court in Shidley Park Area THIS SUPERBLY PRESENTED SOLID BRICK VICTORIAN FAMILY RESIDENCE FASTIDIOUSLY REFURBISHED AND RENEWED WITH MANY ORIGINAL FEATURES INCLUDING ORIGINAL FIREPLACES AND OVER-MANTELS.

ATTRACTIVE LEAD LIGHTS, ORNATE CORNICES AND CEILINGS AND A VERY FUNCTIONAL FLOOR PLAN. AH: Ml 1173 831 Mil, 2 5151 t. I iTMmT1 (WW MOST ATTRACTIVE TIMBER HOME IN EXCELLENT CONDITION. Spacious lounge OFP, sep. dining, new kitchen, 2 dble.

bedrooms, bathroom, 2 toilets, carport garage. Inc WW carpets, curtains space heating. Land 60 109' approx. Formal arched entrance hall Spacious lounge with OFP Separate formal dining room Large Informal entertainment area 1st class modern gourmet kitchen LAND: 80' 160' APPROX. Inspect Thursday Saturday 3 AO 4.00 pm.

AUCTION SATURDAY 4TN MAY AT It HON. Kew Office 80-4473, AH: 82-6976, 836-3796 AUCTION SATURDAY 27TH APRIL AT 11.M AM AH: 131 MSI, 8513173 Cartas RESI ftyLtd 1T7 471 Riversdale Road 040 OOOQ vjlv Cambarwtll Junction OlO OOOO Mm flt Gtn Ins Mfltvtnt Ba4wyn Hswrthom Kew 9m MM GMon 16 TOORAK ROAD, SOUTH YARRA 2672466, AH 8361048, 5939385, 8621284 Wl'Wtll I 212 HIGH ST. KEW Greg Sinclair AH: 836 8416 ieSGinjncRMd.MilwiiiMDIS44. 11(tSutRgtKtIS4(7t.