BWW Reviews: A Story Of Struggling Sisters Is Told With Heart And Humor in DOLORES.

Friday 1st May 2015, Old Fitz Theatre

Edward Allan Baker's one act play DOLORES is presented with passion and pathos and a dose of hilarity at the Old Fitz Theatre. Barker, who's work focuses on the "people born to brick and asphalt, who don't have bad days, they have bad years", tells the story of two young wives and sisters struggling to get by that are drawn together as Dolores seeks to escape an abusive husband.

Whilst Baker set Sandra's small dilapidated apartment in Providence, Rhode Island in 1984 according to the program notes, this could be any suburb in any city struggling on the edge of poverty. Utilizing the stage in situ for the earlier performances of ORPHANS, stage manager Genevieve Muratore transforms the space into a family home with toys strewn across the floor, washing hanging out to dry, a small kitchen table and a kitchenette complete with cassette player radio for the late night showing.

With broad American Italian accents, Dolores (Kate Box) interrupts younger sister Sandra's (Janine Watson) few hours of solitude whilst her husband and children are out for a Sunday afternoon. Dolores sports a black eye and the tension between the two is clear as it becomes clear that Dolores has had a string of marriages with inappropriate men and the latest Jerry, beats her and Sandra wants no part in the drama, telling the 30 year old Dolores to go back to Jerry and talk to him. The wounds of the past between the family are dredged up with gentle caring moments and eruptions of emotion as Dolores tries to get her sister to help rather than throw her out because she can't deal with her own husband Vinny's expected response to Dolores' visit.

Box and Watson create a fast paced, high energy performance with a rollercoaster of emotions and an element of humor as they deal with the serious issue of domestic violence and mental illness in a society where there are limited avenues of escape or affordable support.

This is a moving work that is honest about the gritty truths of life presented with humanity and compassion. Well worth the wait for the late night time slot.

DOLORES

Old Fitz Theatre

129 Dowling St (Cnr Cathedral), Woolloomooloo.

Tuesday - Saturday 9:45pm, Saturday Matinee at 2pm, Sunday 7:30pm.