My weekend was shaping up to be pretty quiet, but it turned into a whirlwind of social activity and thought-provoking theatre.
It all started with a vague plan to catch up with a friend I hadn’t seen since before Christmas. We decided on an early dinner on Saturday — we’re both past the age of late-night clubbing and prefer a more relaxed pace of a 5.30pm dinner.
It turned out my friend had a $100 voucher for the pub we dined at! Apparently, she’d had a bad experience there a while back and had written a polite letter of complaint. The restaurant appreciated her feedback and gave her the voucher as an apology. We certainly put it to good use, enjoying a delicious meal and some lovely wine.
On Sunday, I had loosely planned to see a play called “Jacky” at the Belvoir Street Theater with another friend. https://belvoir.com.au/productions/jacky/ I was intrigued by the premise: a young, queer Aboriginal boy from “Up North” moves to Melbourne and navigates a complex life, including being a sex worker, so he could save money to buy a house.
The play delved into his relationships, particularly with his brother and a client who unexpectedly turns out to be the ex-husband of his employer.
What I found most compelling was how “Jacky” explored the intricacies of indigenous identity in Australia, raising questions about representation and community.
The play was surprisingly funny at times, which provided a nice contrast to the more serious themes.
My friend’s partner is Aboriginal, and we both have some understanding of the nuances of indigenous culture, so we found it particularly thought-provoking.
Then, out of the blue, an old friend called on Sunday morning and invited me to see “Hamlet Camp” at CarriageWorks. https://carriageworks.com.au/events/hamlet-camp-2025/ I knew nothing about it, but was immediately intrigued.
The play featured three actors who had played Hamlet throughout their careers, reflecting on the triumphs and burdens of portraying such an iconic role. The first half, which focused on their personal experiences as actors, was captivating. There were poignant moments of reflection alongside laugh-out-loud anecdotes about the ups and downs of their careers. My friend and I were completely absorbed in their stories.
The second half shifted to a fictionalized workshop where these “Hamlet” actors gathered to work through the challenges of the role, and the legacy of having played the role. While still entertaining, it wasn’t quite as engaging as the first half’s intimate monologues.
Nevertheless, the entire 90-minute performance flew by.
Despite having minimal plans initially, my weekend was a delightful mix of engaging theater, good food, and stimulating conversations with friends. It was a reminder that sometimes the most fulfilling experiences arise unexpectedly.