Theatre Review: werkaholics

werkaholics

By Vivian Nguyen

Director Nicole Pingon

Producer: Empty Seat Theatre and Purple Tape Productions

Belvoir Downstairs until August 17

Reviewed by Ron Lee, CSP, MAICD

werkaholics is an exploration of influencer culture, intersectional feminism, truths about millennials’ evolving relationship with money and liberation in 21st-century capitalism. 

As Australia’s latest star influencer, Lilian (Georgia Oom), and her struggling actor best friend, Jillian (Shirong Wu), navigate the ups, downs and uncertainties of digital fame, mounting debt, fiscal ignorance and a shifting social landscape.

Accompanying the rapid change in fortune is Lilian’s difficult decision where she is forced to decide what matters most: her dreams of fame, recognition and wealth or her best friend. Will ambition win out over loyalty?

Adding to the dynamic is Sage (Ruby Duncan) who is on a mission of her own and it is a critical part of the through line. 

Comic relief appears in the form of Sage’s mother who is also played by Shirong Wu in a curly, blonde wig. The character is a middle-aged, very Australian, suburban housewife type who possesses limited awareness of the modern world. 

The actors and director are clearly focused and enthusiastic. Vivian Nguyen’s script is ambitious and taps into the mood of the demographic. There is, however, a liberal and frequent use of the word, “literally”. “I LITERALLY busted my arse.” “It’s LITERALLY a dumpster fire.”

Apparently the budget for this production was necessarily under $2,500 so it shows what creativity, ingenuity and discipline can manifest. 

It’s pleasing that younger creatives have opportunities to execute projects in mainstream venues that have high exposure within the larger theatre community.