Death In A Box…One Pussy’s Tale!

The wonderful thing about human beings is we are all flawed and that is what makes us all so uniquely perfect. No one person is all good or all bad. We are multifaceted, intricate and complicated. And when two people join together in love, these flaws can ultimately lead to the destruction of that union or bind them together at a level beyond what either party ever considered possible.


Presented by:  Melbourne Fringe Festival  Venue:  Tony Starr’s Kitten Club Friday 7 October, 2011 The wonderful thing about human beings is we are all flawed and that is what makes us all so uniquely perfect. No one person is all good or all bad. We are multifaceted, intricate and complicated. And when two people join together in love, these flaws can ultimately lead to the destruction of that union or bind them together at a level beyond what either party ever considered possible. Death In A Box takes the viewer on the most intimate journey into the personal lives of Mandie Combe and her partner Tony Johannsen, providing a unique glimpse beyond the bedroom door into the depths of their relationship with themselves and each other.   What makes this production so compelling is that it was written and performed by Mandie and Tony and that this real life couple so bravely share their story with an audience. Mandie has penned a delectable smorgasbord of emotions detailing her personal journey with mental illness. Her performance was extraordinarily bold, at times hilarious and then devastatingly heart-wrenching, as she swooned and meowed her way through the rollercoaster of her life. Tony composed and performed the music, magically weaving his way through and alongside Mandie with love and grace. His songs were mesmerising, sublime and haunting. Adding to this delicious mix was the direction by Scott Major who delicately wrapped this couple’s story with imagery and symbolism, nurturing it into a beautifully crafted and polished show. Incredibly I was so drawn into the lives of these characters I felt as though I was inside Mandie’s head riding on this roller-coaster of bi-polarism. And just when I had eased myself back into the reality of my own body, I was then thrust inside Tony’s head and heart, living the pain and isolation he suffered as his beloved retreated once again into her ‘box.’ This is one of the most extraordinary pieces of theatre I have ever witnessed. And it is not just because this story is true. Take away that reality and this is still an incredibly crafted piece of theatre.   But like human beings, this show was not without its flaws. The venue seating made it difficult to see some of the action on stage and the noise from the busy bar downstairs occasionally infiltrated the moments of quiet reflection. Vocally, Tony has an almost breathy, guttural quality to his voice, but it was in the telling of his story, the personal opening of his diary of thoughts, fears and pain that was so moving. Indeed it is the presence of these minor flaws that make this show so uniquely perfect. Tonight was the closing night of Death In A Box at the Tony Starr’s Kitten Club but thankfully this was not the show’s final curtain. Additional seasons are planned in 2012 so don’t miss it next time!  Death In A BoxTony Starr’s Kitten Club1/267 Little Collins StreetMelbourne, Victoria