Ruby's Last Dollar

Last nite we were invited to the season's premiere show of Black Swan's Theatre's Ruby's Last Dollar, at the Octagon Thetre, in The UWA.

It had been a while since the last time we got any invites to a theatre production, so I was quite looking forward for a night indulgence in a bit of art and culture, or so to speak.

For a quick run of the plot, the story revolves around Ruby Constance, former superstar dancer on the Tivoli circuit in Sydney back in the 50's and 60's, but now only left reminiscing her old glory days, in her twilight years, yet still looking as glamorous as ever in her bright ruby red (get it?) dress, with a matching pair of shoes to boost. All these, to the accompanying musical sound of poker machines (widely known as pokies here in Oz) in the background, in her local RSL Club.

You see, not only she's a has been, she's also a gambler.

How could a lady so successful in her younger days succumb to the hypnotizing world of gambling, you wonder? All THAT were unfold seamlessly through her strong vivid memories, which constantly appearing at the times when she'd rather be left alone, thus making her embark on a journey to her past, revisiting old stories which made her whom she is now.

Jacki Weaver, a house hold name in Australian acting circuit did a very convincing job, portraying the strength (as a survivor) , pride (of her old glory years) and fragility (in dealing with her sometimes hurtfull past) of Ruby, while Kirstie Hutton plays her younger self in the flashback segment.

Despite seeming to be a single-character-driven show, surprisingly there are supporting casts who had actually made the black comedy even so much more memorable.

The casting of Alan Dukes, Kate Mulvany, George Shevtsov, David James and the yummilicious Michael Tuahine , all in some multiple roles not only gave colours and textures to the play, they also provide the perfect background for Weaver/Hutton's Ruby character to grow, whithout detracting the main focus on Ruby's life from the audience.

I certainly had a truly great time watching the play, immersing myself in the delightful world of this former dancer in her dancing days, and slowly trying to understand the pains that might had caused her addiction to gambling.

The show was funny, sad, even hilarious at times, yet surprisingly so real; and to see Weaver's expression towards the end of her performance, when Ruby finally confronted her innermost painful memory, made the whole journey so worthwhile.

Ruby's Last Dollar is definitely a memorable show, performed by a great ensemble of casts. If you happen to be in Perth between now and the 20th August 2005, it's probably worth your time to join Ruby's trip down her memory lane.

I certainly enjoyed mine!