Why not head on down to the Mechanics Institute in sunny Brunswick this week and catch one of the deliciously surreal performances of ‘NAGL (Not A Good Look)’ at The Mechanics Institute? That’s what I said to my plus one to entice them down to a preview of this new play. It explores relationships and identity in modern Australia — at least that’s how it was billed. We weren’t disappointed.
Some of the highlights included an awkward ‘tango’ that would be familiar to any couple trying to spice things up in the bedroom, and the entertainingly psychotic performance of Reece Vella (who, for the lack of a more theatrical comparison, seemed to be channeling John Tuturro as ‘The Jesus’ in The Big Lebowski). The whole performance was set in the home of a very dysfunctional expat family, who showed us, via some brain-bending metaphors, the eccentricities of Australian culture.
In short, it was a roller coaster ride of absurdity: funny, sometimes disturbing, and definitely thought-provoking. Want to know what I’m talking about? Well then, get down to the Metanoia Theatre at the Mechanics Institute, Brunswick and catch a performance.
– Ruth
Ruth Saxon is an arts student who enjoys Pavlov’ing over fashion she couldn’t possibly hope to afford, catching the odd independent film, and sampling all that Melbourne has to offer in food and drink (and music and art…Melbourne huh!?)
‘Not a Good Look’ runs 8-17 October at The Mechanics Institute. Purchase tickets now.
The venue is wheelchair accessible.
