Formed by Andrew Cory only last year, Dog Spoon is already celebrating its second World Premiere at the Brisbane Festival’s Theatre Republic.  Last year they presented the contemporary absurdist comedy Two Guys in a Box, which will likely embark on a national tour next year.  Similarly, A Coupla Dogs is another engaging writing collaboration with Sue Rider and a physical two-hander.  Dog Spoon, according to their bio, utilise “various permutations of clown, visual theatre and text to explore the human story” and this production solidly ticks those boxes.

 

After a full black out, with only the soundscape of daily kennel life, we open to Josh McIntosh’s grungy set depicting Beryl’s Kennels.  With a depressingly realistic grey concrete floor and besser block wall, rusty chain link fencing, and dirty thin bedding mats, this is definitely NOT a “no kill policy” kennel.  Old Dog (Ron Kelly) and Young Dog (Tom Oliver) are two nameless orphaned dogs hoping for adoption before their five-day stay is up and they get the “big needle”.

 

Initially, Young Dog’s eternal optimism, naivety, and energy grates on Old Dog who displays his dominance by eating the entirety of their day’s food ration.  Eventually, they bond over shared fears, disappointments, dreams, hopes, and life experiences. Cory and Rider’s witty script coupled with physical movement and clowning elements, turn an unpalatable topic into comedy gold; at least for the first 30 minutes.  After that, the play becomes more dramatic as the clock relentlessly counts down.

 

Kelly and Oliver are a terrific duo, complementing each other perfectly.  Excellent banter, one-liners, physical and verbal altercations, doggy pop psychology, and hilarious doggy dance choreography.  My favourite physical moment is a sped up version of their daily grind. Sleep, get up, eat, repeat… this scene is physically demanding and only works if their timing and togetherness is absolutely mirror perfect.  Made even harder because it comes later in the show when they’re already physically taxed, I turned to my plus one with my mouth open and said WOW!

 

Proud and vocally commanding but slowing with age, Kelly’s wise, jaded Old Dog was beautiful to watch.  The years of neglect etched into his face, we slowly learn his sad history (fighting dog then street dog) and are humbled.  His touching monologue about his short experience of human kindness and love is heartbreaking. Kelly’s special gift is disarming his audience with smiles and charm, then bam suddenly becoming the scariest aggressor you can imagine.  It’s quite frightening, but spellbinding to witness. Always been a fabulous character actor, Kelly.
 

 

First coming onto my radar in Grease (2011) as Putzie, Oliver’s performance and rendition of Mooning immediately drew my attention and I knew he’d carve out a envious career. His Young Dog was everything you’d expect, endearingly loveable and charismatic with boundless energy.  You smiled when he smiled and felt sad when he did, even the desexing cone on his head couldn’t block that radiant face.  Oliver brought the audience with him the entire journey because he’s such an open, honest, and talented actor.  I truly saw him as a puppy for the entire hour. Throughout, Oliver’s plaintiff and wistful little puppy songs are a clever device; exposing his inner thoughts and fears, but also showing his personal growth over the days.  His soft quavering voice becomes strong, clear, and confident at the end.

 

Ahhh, yes, the end… Both actors have done fabulous work, and occasionally you are unsure if they are actually real dogs, masquerading as people.  After the fun, the laughter, the insights and stories, you realise their five days are up and no one has chosen them. It is a sobering moment. Suddenly, you are uncomfortable, realising how much you care about their wellbeing and happiness.  I’m hoping A Coupla Dogs returns for a short run or tour, so I’m not going to disclose their fate.  If you see the words Dog Spoon in the 2019 Brisbane Festival program, book!

 

You could take this 60-minute show at face value, a glimpse into the hearts and minds of two shelter dogs, but you would do the writers a disservice.  Deliberate instead on the current state of our world, and really think about how you and our society treat those less fortunate. I viewed this story as a message of hope that the power of the individual spirit really can be a catalyst for change.

 

Co-Written by Andrew Cory and Sue Rider

 

Season: 25 – 29 September

Theatre Republic – The Block

Presented by Brisbane Festival and QUT

 

 

Lisa Bingham