Men, Love And The Monkey Boy Review
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Men. Love and the Monkeyboy
Caleb Louis’ Men, Love and the MonkeyBoy is a dramatic comedy that takes a close look at the difference between men, boys and monkeys. It explores the evolution of human relationships, making social commentary on the way men see themselves, how they see each other and the way they see and treat women. It probes the audience to question; are we really “nothing but mammals?”
Men Love and the Monkey Boy follows the footsteps of Phillip (Bryce Youngman), a 28-year-old primatologist “growing up” in a society that closely resembles his study of gorillas. His father Robbo (John McNeill), calls him Sphincter Boy and insists on buying him porn, taking him out fishing, drinking, and picking up, notice that these are all stereotypical masculine activities. Robbo has a fear that his son might be “happy”. Along for the ride is Phillip’s brother in law Dave (Andy Rodoreda) who is currently unemployed and being “taken care of” by his very capable Lawyer-wife Hayley (Julia Davis) and Rex (Laurence Bruels): a high school mate who is now a cop and quite the lady’s man. One night while out celebrating his birthday, Philip is set up with a girl called Chelsea (Angela Hattersley) by Robbo: and despite an awkward start she chooses to be walked home by Philip: thus rejecting the advances of smooth-operating Rex. However, it is revealed that Chelsea may not be who she appears and soon Philip is in doubt of what is truthful connection and what is primitive posturing in order to get a “mate.”
Many elements of Visual imagery have been used within the play to form and communicate images effectively to the audience. The visual imagery has been used in such a way that it encapsulates the essence of the underlying metaphor of play, that humans are gorillas! From the very beginning, it engages the audience’s imagination through use of special effects and lighting and grasps their attention, making the focus solely on figuring out what is going to happen next. Lighting is used to depict night and day, often setting the mood and atmosphere of that play. The props are minimal, but are a vital part of piecing the performance together and watching it move from one scene to the next. They have been used effectively to depict more than one object, for example bamboo shoots are also used as fishing rods. This aids in the effective transition from one scene to the next. The costumes are also simple, but are effective in portraying the roles and personalities of each character in society. The settings too are minimal but easily manipulated to ensure that each scene is set. The End Stage itself is rather small, but the space was used effectively to make it look quite large. The physical relationships between the characters also enhanced the meaning of the play, exploring the interaction between males and females.
Auditory imagery has been used successfully throughout the play, aiding the visual imagery in communicating efficiently to the audience. Music and sound effects have been used sparingly throughout the play, but when used, it serves a clearly defined purpose. Sound effects are often used within the play to set the scene. When the men are at the bar, sound effects of poker machines and distant voices are played in the background. Also when the “blokes” are out fishing, the sound of birds and water can be heard