Saturday 9 September 2000

Pure Escapism, Sept 9, 2000


by  Scott Gooding
at Storeroom Parkview Hotel until September 23, 2000
Reviewer: Kate Herbert

Pure Escapism, a solo play written and performed by Scott Gooding, is yet another venture at the Storeroom, a new venue above the Parkview Hotel, Fitzroy.

A young man is locked in a room alone with only an enormous pile of comic books, an ant and a bowl of rice. It seems to be his job in some peculiar way. He does no collating or even reading of the comics.

Occasionally he receives a new one by "air mail" of sorts. His imaginary friend , Bob, raps on the door intermittently and annoyingly, and sends flying in a new superhero comic.

Yes, Pure Escapism is abstract and bizarre but only partially successful in its present form. Gooding's script is a little too obtuse and lacks a coherent structure.

There are some funny moments and some poignant ones. The man befriends a stray ant he finds on his bowl of cold white rice. He names him Solitaire after one of his favourite Superheroes. When Bob insists, by knocking furiously, that the ant must be eliminated, the young man tearfully squashes Solitaire in his hand.

Oddly, considering the publicity for this show, there is very little reference to the comic books, their heroes and narratives. It is disappointing to be surrounded by the books and heroic posters but to see and hear so little of their bizarre content that obsesses this character.

In fact, the main story he tells is a fairy story about a princess an old man. Why tell this tale when you have Captain Marvel and Aquaman?

Director, Malcolm Berry, highlights the frustration and anger in this character who lives in such isolation and on the edge of lunacy.

At times there is far too much shouting from Gooding who appears tense. The show will be much more watchable when he relaxes into the role.

The play, written in 1991, has seen several edits since then. It might enjoy some further dramaturgical work. 

By Kate Herbert

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