THE RUG

Words & Music: Chris Williams

Director: Joshi Reinhold

Music Director: Mark Dennison

The Meteor, 17-25 May 2024

In 2017 Chris Williams had a conversation with a friend about curated lives on social media that then lead to a discussion about whether or not those in the stone age had materialistic tendencies. An idea was born and Williams began writing The Rug. Seven years later, his vision has been brought to life.

The WINTEC Performing Arts degree is turning out polished performers, and graduates and current students made up the cast. Eckard Becker played Rocko in a very Gaston-esque manner that was thoroughly entertaining. Helen Drysdale-Dunn (Aja) was able to let her powerful belt soar in her solos and delivered an impassioned performance as a wife whose husband was not providing for her emotionally. Jessica Ruck-Nu’u (Lana) with her exquisite voice captured the sweet vulnerability of the girl next door.  Ethan Dillon-Mayne (Ash) is an adaptable performer and managed a marvelous solo in the most unlikely tap shoe alternative. Norman Fili Junior (Del) stole the show with his portrayal of the original sleazy salesman, complete with the smooth, instinctual comedy he is becoming known for.

A missed opportunity was not allowing Sekonaia Faletau to showcase his extraordinary choreography and dance skills. As the tiger, he slinked and prowled around but knowing his capabilities it seemed unfortunate to not lean into Faletau’s talent and stamp some of his magic onto The Rug.    

The little touches really worked such as the soundscape before, during and after the show, and the shadow puppetry. Aaron Chesham’s lighting design was filled with dimension and varying lighting colourways that captured dawn to dusk, especially in respect of the landscape outside the cave. Keep an eye on that. It was cleverly done. The static set was entirely appropriate and featured gorgeous cave paintings and great props.

All the music was written by Williams and performed by a four-piece band who were situated offstage. Music Director Mark Dennison played multiple instruments which gave the numbers variety and interest. There were a couple of moments during transitions where some underscoring would have taken the edge off abrupt silences.

Hats off to Williams for seeing this project through to an opening night. The pandemic had put the brakes on an earlier outing but this allowed time for some further development. Certainly the overall design work had changed as had apparently the denouement. On that, the ending was unforeseen and worked in the sense of The Rug being a social commentary but a reminder to the expect the unexpected. Williams has a great sense of humour and due to the era allowed modern day phrases become mindboggling awakenings for his prehistoric cast. The jokes were thick and fast supported by the cast’s embodiment of  their unique and diverse characters.

The Rug has a busy season of performances ahead. I suggest you leave your own cave and check out those of Rocko, Aja, Lana and Ash. The Rug is full of food for thought, puns and 15 original songs brought to you by local talent that is headed for bigger horizons.

Images: Mark Hamilton