Renee Palmer has written and directed a series of short videos which exam and explore the challenges of being a female public an in Australia over a period of 50 years from 1950 to 1999. The format consists of short 5 minute videos set within three different decades; the fifties, seventies and nineties. Each show illustrates important or relevant events which illustrate the challenges and struggles of running a pub, or in this case Darlinghurst Hotel.
There are 4 central characters, Eileen and her husband Gordon, who between them manage the hotel, though in reality it seems to be Eileen who shoulders most of the work with Gordon bobbing along in her wake. Jeanette is a member of bar staff who has somehow become entwined with a long term customer Reg, who frankly comes across as feckless and fairly useless ne'er-do-well, though for the most part harmless he is often at the centre and cause of the most of the drama. A fifth character remains faceless, but Joe films or videos all the comings and goings of this dysfunctional if not endearing group.
The struggles of the working class can be similar, but different cultures and communities create their own unique contexts and issues. This site specific Australian drama is not like the TV Soap ‘Neighbours’, it’s much more subtle and nuanced. For someone like myself who has no first hand or direct experience of Australia I think somethings maybe lost in translation. While I recognised the verisimilitude of the individual programmes it was challenging for me to put any of it into any sort of context to which I could relate and this may in part be due to the short format 5 minute videos, whilst I caught the gist of what was going on it’s magnitude or importance were less defined for me.
The acting is excellent and the different vignettes which have been created by Ms Palmer are well formed having a clear storyline and structure. There is nice focus on detail and the whole series creates a rounded and satisfying exploration of this area of Australian culture.
Delivered Online
Available anytime.
Suitability: 14+
Tickets: £5 or £3 concessions
21-25 Aug
Show Time: On Line
Booking: https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/women-s-shout-the-happy-hour