Augusta, the latest offering from Sydney's indie theatre company subtlenuance, is a delightfully audacious romp through the corridors of power in Late Antiquity. Penned by critically acclaimed playwright Paul Gilchrist and directed by Daniela Giorgi in her directorial debut, this historical comedy serves up a potent blend of humour and heartbreak that resonates with contemporary relevance.
Set against the backdrop of a near crumbling Roman Empire, Augusta tells the engaging tale of the play's titular character, sister to the Emperor and bearer of the prestigious title "Augusta." Despite her apparent privilege, she finds herself constrained by the gendered power structures of ancient Rome. Frustrated by her brother's reported incompetence and her own lack of real authority, she hatches an outrageous plan involving none other than Attila the Hun, Rome's greatest enemy.
Gilchrist's script deftly navigates the fine line between historical drama and modern comedy with an edge and a message. The playwright's wit shines through in the dialogue, which crackles with anachronistic energy while respecting the story's ancient setting. The contrast between Augusta's lofty ambitions with the objective and truthful perspective of those around her provides ample opportunity for both laugh-out-loud moments and inward reflection on the nature of power and privilege.
The small but mighty cast brings Gilchrist's vision to vibrant life. Megan Bennetts, as Augusta, delivers a noteworthy performance, capturing both the character's frustration with her gilded cage and her determination to break free, with signifcant blocks of dialogue skillfully delivered without fault. Bennetts' nuanced portrayal ensures that Augusta remains sympathetic even as her schemes grow increasingly ambitous.
Russell Cronin demonstrates impressive versatility in his multiple roles, notably as the "stupid, stupid, stupid little brother" Valentinian, who eventually appears commanding and statesman-like. His comedic timing is perfected across the other roles, providing many of the play's chuckles. Alyona Popova rounds out the cast, breaking the fourth wall when bringing humour to the Prologue and a satisfying close with the Epilogue, while adding depth to the ensemble as Sisek, the slave.
Daniela Giorgi's direction keeps the energy high and the pacing tight. Her own note in the printed program speaks to the play's exploration of power dynamics and privilege, themes that she teases out with merit. The intimate setting of the Sydney Fringe pop-up theatre in the Erskineville Town Hall serves the production well, allowing for an immediacy that draws the audience into Augusta's world. No one is far from the action.
While the play's historical setting provides a fascinating canvas, and acknowledges the characters are portrayed via a fictional telling, Augusta is far from a dusty period piece. Its exploration of gender, power, and the consequences of inequality feels startlingly relevant to our current moment. The play serves as a reminder that the struggles faced by women in positions of nominal power are far from new, while suggesting that the ramifications of such inequality extend far beyond the individual.
Gilchrist's script is not content to simply point out injustice, however. It challenges the audience to examine social blind spots and the way in which privilege can shape any worldview. This layered approach to the material elevates Augusta from mere entertainment to thought-provoking theatre. Some however, may find the play's more farcical elements at odds with its serious underlying themes.
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This aside, Augusta also stands as a testament to the vitality of Sydney's independent theatre, as presented under the banner of Sydney Fringe. It showcases the talents of its cast and creative team while offering a fresh perspective on age-old issues of power and gender dynamics.
Ultimately, Augusta manages to be simultaneously entertaining and thought-provoking, using the lens of history to shed light on contemporary concerns. As the program notes suggest, it reminds us that while the truth may set us free, it's the stories we tell that help us cope with life's complexities.
Season: 10 - 14 Sept MMXXIV
Tickets and more info: https://sydneyfringe.com/events/augusta/
(Images: supplied)
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