Review by Joy Hinckley of Caprichos by D.I.V.E. Theatre Collective

CAPRICHOS by D.I.V.E Theatre Collective runs 29 April to 7 May at the Old Ambulance Station, Nambour. BOOK TICKETS HERE

“The world is a masquerade.” Francisco de Goya

Caprichos digs deep into ancient myths, rituals, and modern vanities, stirring potions from the subconcious. A young woman (and the audience) is alternately challenged and encouraged by three archetypal female characters.

It was deeply poetic in both word and vision; and like much poetry, I found parts difficult to catch and comprehend on one hearing. But I allowed the mood and tempo to carry me through those parts, as an experience rather than an intellectual comprehension. An immersive soundscape underscored the action.

Caprichos takes its title from Goya’s famous series of grotesque etchings, where “society is seen as a modern pantomime, in which respectable ideas and actions are performed to conceal the true nature and corruption underneath.” (program note).

D.I.V.E. made wonderful use of the many spaces inside and out of the Old Ambulance Station, embodying the aim of the Anywhere Festival with great success.

Cesar Genaro and Priscila de Cunha have brought to the Sunshine Coast the kind of theatre we don’t normally get to experience. The multicultural nature of the Collective adds a richness to the tapestry of the production.

A scene where modern vanities were tossed into a cauldron as ingredients in a toxic soup of microplastics, exploitation and woo added an element of humour to the mix. I would have liked to see a few more of these leavening elements of satirical fun scattered through what was quite an earnest production.

The performers bring consistent energy, great vocal quality and gorgeous movement to the piece.