Amadeus
Directed by Stephen Lloyd-Combs
Sets by Ash Bell
Costumes by Peter Hensen
The elements to the set, created by Ashley Bell, comprising a few drop curtains, some chairs, a pianoforte and assorted props, support the action and atmosphere and work perfectly with minimal fuss. The costumes by Peter Hensen are in complete harmony with this set. Together they create a world that attempts to be lavish but is a little tatty and tacky in places, a slight suggestion of rancor and decay, something a bit rotten. Venticello has a few too many beauty patches, their stockings become dirty, make-up is not uniform, chairs that are not completely matching. It’s perfect, particularly with the clam shaped footlight shades that reside at the front of the stage.
Michelle Gosper at www.sydneyartsguide.com.au
Peter Shaffer’s Amadeus, most well known for its 1984 Oscar winning film interpretation, is running in October/November at The Genesian Theatre on Kent Street in Sydney.