‘Female Transport’ a ‘poignant’ drama

Press, 2 June 1981, Page 6

‘Female Transport’ a ‘poignant’ drama

"Female Transport” by Steve Gooch, directed by Elizabeth Moody for the University of Canterbury Drama Society. Ngaio Marsh Theatre May 30 to June 6. time: 8 p.m. to 9,45 p.m. Reviewed by Philip Norman. Written in the early 1970 s during a time of consciousness raising to the oppression of women in society, “Female Transport” carries messages that go beyond the play’s simple historical exposition. - It is a Story of women in bonds; of close physical confinement Ito immediate surroundings, of strong emotional ties made with fellow sufferers, and of the shackles of dependency on men that the-legal system and society forges;’?,/,/ Not that the play labours under, heavy-handed allegory; quite the contrary, Gooch’s pen moves with a subtlety that colours and shades, but never directly, points. .Although seripied’in .decidedly modern vernacular,: contemporary relevance is to be found only if contemporary relevance’is sought.

1 The writing is of a skill 1 that allows the primary level ’ of the play — the story of six f women convicts being tran- • sported to the penal settle--1 ments of Australia — to shine through as a poignant human drama. e Carol Craymer, Janice Grey, Miranda Harcourt, Sarah . Davidson, Melissa Miles, and Juliet Dowling were the women confined together for the five months of the. sea voyage. Such a chain of actresses revealed no weak link. All six were inseparable for the facility and finesse with which they drew their own portraits. ;? Each role was treated with a depth of, characterisation that was a testimony to the artistry of each actress. The human drama was all the more moving because the plight .of six individuals, rather than a corporate identity, was exposed. With the exception of the 1 young cabin boy Tommy, the , playwright’s sympathies did • : not lie with the men; in the 1 cast.- Money Jay . behind ; the I motivies for: the .captainand ■ surgeon making the long 1 voyage while more than a I

hint of sadism lay behind the motives of . the misogynic Sarge. Consequently-all three actors had to work hard to remain effective. Paul Bushnell was a shade too pedestrian as the pompous captain, Craig Hood - a little too dispassionate as the mercenary surgeon, and Jeff Brown as Sarge looked as if he was enjoying playing the role rather than enjoying the atrocities he heaped upon the convicts. . . Andrew Stammer as Tommy easily won sympathy for his portrayal of an awakening from the slumber of innocence. Elizabeth Moody is bestknown for her work as an actress. Her direction in “Female Transport” clearly. shows a facet of her allround theatrical talents that deserves the opportunity for further exercise. Her production team included many names associated with the’ Court Theatre/. It is pleasing to note" this cooperative sharing of skills between .the towns professional theatre and the impor-- 1 ; tant training ground of the University Drama Society.