THE MACHINE
Review by Ned McVicar
Jaz Hosken's The Machine exudes competence out of each of its finely polished orifices. A serious sleeper gem, the show proves the elevating power of good direction. The choreography subtly serves the story and themes of the show excellently, the pacing flows so naturally and everything just feels intentionally chosen. No parts overpowering another, just a collection of thaumaturgical elements working together, fittingly like a well-oiled machine.
The core of the show is the relationship between Maddy and Pip, our two protagonists performed excellently by Jaz Hosken and Chloe McShane respectively, as their fundamental differences in ideology and guiding principals rub, grind and synergise with another. Pip is the sort of person to allow themself space, to change routine based on momentary feeling and kindly extends the same leniency to those around her. She's empathetic, in touch with her emotions yet hesitant to commit to change or action.
Photo by Mitch Ritter
Contrastingly, Maddy—or as she barely-ironically refers to herself, as the titular "The Machine”—is all about action. Waking up every day at 5AM sharp to a nutritionally ideal breakfast, Maddy's in the gym more than she isn't. Maddy makes the mistake of prioritizing addressment over emotional vulnerability at every step, giving herself the unsustainable expectation of a machine; it's this ideological rift that fuels the story's conflict. The character dynamics are incredibly believable, fleshed out, serious yet still comical.
Both of our characters suffer from the long-lasting condition of having shitty men in their life, a presence that looms slightly off-stage throughout the show. Between that smart writing choice and the aforementioned great direction The Machine pulls off a surprising depth of tension, yet another pedestal to add to the incredibly solid base it stands on.
The show itself has such a potentially fruitful future, it’s so genuinely polished that it’d be such a shame to not leave Melbourne. As for Jaz herself, I have so much faith in whatever direction she decides to propel herself in next.
