Damon and Pythias – Play Review

Gayle O’Leary reviews Damon and Pythias

I can hardly think of a better way to spend a night out in the West End of Fremantle while it’s cold, than to go out for a great Italian dinner then watch a local play.

In a rare collaboration with John Curtin College of the Arts, semester one students of the Performing Arts Association of Notre Dame Australia (PAANDA) presented us with the old Greek satirical comedy Damon and Pythias. It’s an enduring tale of the power of friendship. The modern retelling was written by Murray Oversby, a member of the Notre Dame student-based crew, another first for Fremantle’s PAANDA!

A quick recap of the story: Damon and Pythias are lifelong, inseparable friends, and followers of the philosopher Pythagoras. The ever ambitious Pythias plots to overthrow the tyrant Dionysius the First, of Syracuse, but is caught and sentenced to death. When his final wish to return home for five days to settle his affairs is refused by Dionysius, Damon offers to take his place. Pythias is left with an impossible choice: does he return to certain death or sacrifice the life of his friend?
The story has been adapted many times; I first remember seeing its loose 2003 cartoon film adaptation “Sinbad: Legend of the Seven Seas”. A classic. Ah, the memories.

We enjoyed Notre Dame’s take on it mightily. The young John Curtin actors playing prepubescent Damon and Pythias performed very well and almost outshine their teenage Notre Dame counterparts! Teenage Damon’s exaggerated simpleton accent had us in stitches. Everyone performed impeccably and there are many memorable characters.

“Sock-crates” the hand puppet regaled us with his commentary and wit.

Dionysius’ guards debate philosophy and battle with decorative ribbons to great comedic effect.

A siren teases out the undercurrent wisdom of Damon and questions toxic relationships.

The duo also befriend a trio of pirates who, despite the traditional storyline of them capturing Pythias on his return to Syracuse, soon win us over. Especially Carrrrl.

Artemis, the Greek goddess, also makes a surprise appearance while extolling the virtues of a limited human lifespan and basic economics.

And strictly no AI was used in the production of this play, lest it interfere with genuine artistic merit. Fantastic!

Good show, PAANDA! Very well done and looking forward to the next one.

*By Gayle O’Leary. If you’d like to catch up on more by Gayle here on Fremantle Shipping News, look right here!

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