3:39pm Monday 8th February 2010
David Mamet plays are written with strong roles and minimalist staging and directions. Fourways took the challenge and presented this play superbly.
Directed by Rob Kouyoumdjian and co-produced by Rick Butler and Carolyn Kendall as a team effort. The audience were seated round three sides of the set offering an intimate experience.
The first half was set in a Chinese restaurant, with red tablecloths and beautiful hanging lanterns. The loud 80’s music set the scene. This tells the story of four desperate salesmen working to keep their jobs and competing in the cut-throat world of real estate.
Rob Kouyoumdjian was magnificent as Shelley Levine demonstrating his talent with emotions ranging from despair, desperation and elation.
Russell Stratton was excellent as John Williamson-the man handing out the leads to the salesman and ultimately responsible for their success or failure.
He cleverly displayed a sinister use of his power. Barney Powell gave a strong performance as the sleazy bullying David Moss with his skilful use of play on words intimating much without stating his ideas.
David Bukht as George Aaronow also gave a superb performance polished and yet at times appearing unsure of his place in the pecking order.
Ryan Witney played Richard Roma with finesse, confident, philosophising and ruthless in his aim win. Rob Bowen as James Lingk had very little dialogue at the start but his clever demeanour and facial expressions conveyed his character with ease.
Small parts were played equally well by Jonathan Marks as Baylen and Junko Toyofuku a pretty waitress.
Such was the intensity of the play that I came out feeling as if I had been put through the wringer.
Fourways get better and better.
By Rita Carpenter
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