The premise to Izzy Azzopardi’s play TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY is rich with possibilities. What we have is ha very lively bunch of twenty something university students and the theme of the party is for them to wear (predominate) colours pertaining to their relationship status- red, to indicate that they are in a relationship, yellow to say that their situation is complicated and green to indicate that they are single.
Entering the theatre we see that the set is full of traffic insignia, as well as a couple of guys going around wearing traffic controller jackets. The comparisons between our traffic struggles, and life struggles meld; Uturns, changing lanes, shared zones, no through roads, breakdowns, the comparisons are endless.
The nine uni students, Ivy Fletcher (Izzy Azzopardi), Claire Cooper (Grace Easterby), Scarlett Keenan (Meg Denman), Reid Tucker (Jordy Stewart), Phoenix Lonergan (Travis Howard), Hunter Purcell (Caleb Jamieson), Sunny Jone ( Renee Billing), Samson McKay (Isaac Harley) and Amber Massuli (Caitlin Green), are a typically lively bunch. There is plenty of alcohol and a smattering of drugs making for some unpredictable and comic outcomes.
The crux of the play is about the hit and miss nature of relationships. A case in point is with Amber who after looking around for a long time finally feels that she has found a guy to have a serious relationship with in Samson. The problem is that Samson isn’t really the kind of guy who is ready to settle down.
Reid, as well as being a business student is also a much heralded rugby player. He is a closeted bi-sexual and has feelings for his friend Phoenix who is getting frustrated with him not coming out. I guess, the sporting arena isn’t the easiest best world for a guy to come out…
There is gender fluidity in the character of the charismatic, good natured Sunny. They are in an on and off relationship with Ash, an off-stage character.
The stagecraft was good. Brea Macey’s direction was good. The obvious difficulties of having a large cast in a small stage space are overcome by the whoosh and surge of energy when they come on stage to reflect on the mostly two hander scene that had just been played out.
There was also good use of the main prop which was a large dining room table which was used, at times, for the ‘company’ to hide, spy and again reflect on the action.
Macey was also the sound designer and Holly Nesbitt lit the stage. The tech operators were Matilda Holten and Holly Nesbitt.
My sense with TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY is that Azzopardi has seen a lot of theatre, and she has used this to write an entertaining first (produced) play.
A co-production by the Sydney Fringe Festival andJezebel productions (Izzy Azzopardi and Jessica Garnett),TRAFFIC LIGHT PARTY is playing until the 13th September at the Playhouse on the ground floor of The Actors Pulse Studio, 103 Regent Street, Redfern. Nearest cross street is Redfern street.
Remaining performances are Friday 12th September at 7pm and Saturday 13 September at 2pm and 7pm.
Check the Sydney Fringe Festival website for ticket availability.
