Review: References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot

HOME > THEATRE > ARCHIVES 2009 >

POSTED: 01 OCTOBER 2009

References to Salvador Dali Make Me Hot, by José Riviera

(Arts Radar & Griffin Independent | Stables Theatre, Darlinghurst, Sydney | Until 17 October)

Some people are so predictable. When I mentioned I was attending a play to a certain friend, he asked, “What play?” I knew I had walked right into it. “References To Salvador Dali Make Me Hot,” I replied, already wincing. “Me too,” he said, “But what play are you going to see?”

I wonder if anyone has been brave enough to use that joke on José Rivera?

Puerto-Rican born Rivera, probably best known for his Oscar-nominated screenplay for The Motorcycle Diaries, has created a whimsical, visceral piece of theatre that director Anthony Skuse has cleverly adapted for the tiny Stables space.

Gabriela (Olivia Stambouliah) awaits the return of her soldier husband Benito (Stephen Multari). Living on the edge of the desert with her Cat (Taryn Brine), she yearns for the husband she had before the war changed everything. She wants a family; she longs to learn and experience and live.

By the light of the Moon (Lani John Tupu), shadowed by Coyote (iOTA), and pursued with puberty-fuelled adoration by her next-door-neighbour Martin (Arka Das), Gabriela dreams of Benito’s homecoming. But will things ever be the same — and would that necessarily be a good thing?

Ordinarily I am not a fan of actors in the role of animals. It reminds me of earnest university street-theatre (personal experience, please don’t ask). However, Rivera has incorporated the metaphorical Cat (Taryn Brine) and Coyote (iOTA) so seamlessly into this production that I was perfectly willing to accept their anthropomorphic presence. iOTA in particular is convincingly animalistic.

Stambouliah and Multari are a compelling combination. Gabriela’s sensuality meshes beautifully with Benito’s battle-worn aggression and physical power. The desperation of corporeal and emotional distance they convey is palpable.

The musical accompaniment is magnificent — congratulations to Juan Carlos Rios — and the actors’ voices blend in haunting interludes.

There’s something about Latin American literature and theatre that allows for paranormal elements to be integrated into stories without the need to suspend disbelief. It simply seems natural to believe the supernatural.

References To Salvador Dali Make Me Hot is such a production. A little bit weird, a little bit magical, as bizarre as a Dali painting. This is well worth a viewing.

CLICK HERE to email Oz Baby Boomers with a comment regarding this play or review.

HOME > THEATRE > ARCHIVES 2009 >