INFECTIOUS WARMTH AND HEART |
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) 500 Letters Written & performed by Pauline Grogan Directed by Margaret-Mary Hollins at Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, The Edge, Auckland From 12 Oct 2006 to 13 Oct 2006 [1hr 10min, no interval] Reviewed by Kate Ward-Smythe, 14 Oct 2006 |
Enjoying a return season and national tour after premiering in Auckland in October 2005, there is no denying the content of 500 Letters is engaging. But the magic of the play comes from the fact that its writer, the remarkable Pauline Grogan, performs it. Incredibly, Grogan also celebrated her debut as a professional actor this time last year.
While some opening night nerves caused her to rush at the top of the show, the unique quality of 500 Letters comes from Grogan's infectious warmth and heart, as she shares her life story, and recounts her special friendship with New Zealand's longest hospital-stay patient, James Lynch.
With the assistance of a top creative team, her story is delightful to hear and watch. A versatile performer, Grogan plays the piano as we walk in and throughout her performance. As a music teacher, melody has been a huge part of her life and her salvation, so it is fitting that Andrew McMillan's beautiful, well chosen classical music underlays and overall sound design evoke just the right mood and emotion, throughout the night.
Simon Coleman chooses key moments in Grogan's story-telling to stamp his lighting design to maximum effect, but it is his audio visual design - with co-collaborator Peter Simpson - depicting James' life that is truly inventive and magnificent. With shadow, sticks and the skill of puppeteer Kate Parker, they lift James' inspirational influence over not only Grogan's life, but also hundreds of others, to a tangible level.
Director Margaret-Mary Hollins has gracefully brought these creative elements together, so they complement and enhance Grogan's charming performance and narrative. Showering Grogan with endless letters from heaven was a stunning image to end on.
While Grogan's experiences alone, (staunch catholic upbringing, becoming a nun, abuse from a respected Priest, her daughter's devastating stroke at a young age), give much food for thought, the enduring message of 500 Letters is, quite simply, how much we undervalue the power of listening and being listened to. James' patient ears gave Grogan the opportunity to vent and purge, till from this torrent, she found the courage and strength to face her demons.
Her empowerment is apparent just by visiting her website, where Pauline Grogan Enterprises Limited Online can offer services from Inspirational Motivational Speaker, to Funeral Celebrant. To see how this woman's journey on the road to success came about, I would highly recommend giving 500 Letters a listening ear - and a good look.
Liz Elson
Vanessa Byrnes