Review - Two Man Tarantino: packed a punch
Two Man Tarantino
Written and produced by Christopher Wayne
Directed by Maureen Bowra
Visy Theatre
Brisbane Powerhouse
Performance: Sunday, 2 December. Duration: 60 minutes. The season has ended.
Proving to be the perfect treat for fans, Two Man Tarantino packed a punch at this year’s Wonderland F
Living up to its apt title, audiences were spoiled with a two-hander reimagination of some of Hollywood’s most iconic movie movements. Embracing the full talents of Quentin Tarantino, the play was a mash-up medley of some of the director’s most notable work.
Jumping around Tarantino’s historic timeline, pinnacle plots were pulled from Reservoir Dogs, Jackie Brown, Kill Bill, Django Unchained and many other classic hits. Scenes were then relived with basic household props and a story, with great comedic timing and subplots of romance, was told.
The narrative of Two Man Tarantino is simple. A video store is closing, and its owner is preparing to say goodbye. Enter his final customer, who has just kicked her own bad relationship to the kerb, and you have two characters bonding over their demises. While rummaging through the store, their love for Tarantino is revealed and from there, it’s a messy, blood-thirsty battle to determine the ultimate superfan.
The show is a clever concept that invigorates a new appreciation for some of the most renowned films ever created. Producer and co-writer, Christopher Wayne, has dug through a Tarantino treasure trove and presented verbatim styled theatre, which mocks accents and scenes from these filmographic blockbusters.
Fans of Tarantino happily chugged along with the show, reciting lines while scenes were enhanced with a new comedic layer. Others, who had no prior knowledge of the movies, were left behind as victims to the gags. It’s a hit or miss scenario only due to its niche content.
The script, in the hands of director Maureen Bowra, was creatively crafted into action on stage and seamlessly utilised the theatre’s space. Her fight choreography commanded ‘oohs’ and ‘ahhs’ from the audience and was deservingly delivered by stars Emily Kristopher and Stephen Hirst.
As a duo, the two performers bounced off each other (literally) and put 100-percent energy into a physically demanding and playful show. Emily was captivating with her enthusiastic expressions and Stephen moved about like an agile creature. In terms of both actors’ impersonations, their vocal work was on point and they had the audience along for the ride regardless.
Another neat trick was how the set unfolded before your eyes, with strategically placed Tarantino movies which popped out as focal points. All props onstage had a use – DVDs and appliances became weapons, balloons resembled actors who were killed off and chairs were used as cars. Even if you didn’t know what was going on, you were nevertheless entertained.
In true Tarantino fashion, there was even a “bloody” good ending. Saluting his signature style, fans were given the gory and violent finale they’d hoped for – complete with water balloon blood bombs.
Two Man Tarantino was delivered with justice. It satisfied the audience’s curiosity and most definitely had their attention.