Detest

Angus Cerini

At the Carlton Courthouse

Until feb 17

I don’t understand why Angus Cerini isn’t more famous.

I mean that. If all the people in this town who act like they know something about art actually did, then Angus Cerini should be headlining the snobby international arts festivals all over the planet.

All over the planet he’s been certainly, but I’d hazard a guess it’s been at his own expense.

Detest is another stage in the development of a one man work that incorporates dance and text, permutations and elements of which we’ve seen in his fringe festival and full tilt productions.

Angus is a living example of what can happen when an artist spends years crafting a piece. If you can’t look at Detest and see the value of development then you’re probably an Ozco board member.

He politely introduces the show like you would a new girlfriend to your grandma. Then the show starts and it growls, snarls and roars like a tortured animal. Voice overs of Angus talking play over Angus actually talking on stage and he’s been working at the same piece for so long that he weaves in and out of the pre-recorded text so naturally you don’t register the jarring difference between recorded voice and the real thing. There is no difference and that alone is an amazing thing.

Angus Cerini has been a name that the hip crew have known since the indy scene began, and because either the doyens of culture in this place haven’t clued in or they’re too reluctant to vacate their place in the avant guard sun, he’s remained an insider name.

So if you really want to see an artist at work in the theatre and you wanna impress your date by taking her to where the it crowd are, go see detest.

And now we find he can play the piano too.

Not sure about the singing tho. We’ll see where he takes that I suppose, but I thought the piano was enough.

Danny Episode