An Oak Tree is a conceptual artwork in the National Gallery of Australia by artist Michael Craig-Martin. It does not depict an oak tree. This is all that you should know before seeing the Queensland Theatre Company’s latest play, An Oak Tree, the first play performed from their Studio Season, where they aim to feature “theatre that breaks the rules”. This was not a lie.
An Oak Tree is about a stage hypnotist, played with equal parts charm and authority by Hayden Spencer, who is burdened by a terrible secret. During each performance a different actor, who has neither seen nor read the play, plays his victim/subject.
Walking into the theatre my assumption was that it would be one part Thank God You’re Here mixed with three parts awkward. It was awkward, but not because you would think.
This could/should go down in history as the worst review in history, however it would be criminal to give away anything more than I already have.
Like Scream took the rules of horror movies in the mid-90s, utilized them and flipped them back on themselves, to create its narrative. This play is a “meta-experience” blurring the lines between performance, theatre and most importantly, reality.
At it’s worst moments you can’t help thinking it is a wee bit contrived, however when at it is at it’s best, it is fascinating with both the narrative of the play and the experience of the performance, skilfully representing the source material of Craig-Martin’s 1973 work.
An Oak Tree is playing at the Bille Brown Studio, South Brisbane until May 14th and is well worth a second viewing…if only to see what the next guest actor can bring to the piece.
Ironically I would rate the play as hypnotic.
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