Smoko is a brilliant outback queer comedy where the harsh environment of a landfill provides an excellent backdrop for Beccy (played by Jasmine Story) to ponder her life and relationships at her odious job. Giving voices to queerness in a rural town, this show offers a refreshing perspective.
Rich in symbolism and pulling every theatre trick out of their dump truck, it’s a holistic reminder of theatre’s capability to transport you to another world without being limited by such menial details as the walls around them or the size of the room. This transcendence is attributable in large part to the audio creations of Marcus “Mooggie” Costello and set design of Claude Creighton. The storytelling is enriched by puppetry throughout, folding layers of narrative into this multidimensional production.
Smoko is full of memorable characters who stop by the landfill to deposit unwanted items and a little bit of emotional baggage. Creighton’s ability to morph into these larger than life characters is deeply amusing to watch.
The smokos between these customers showcase Story’s acting as Beccy’s vulnerabilities unravel every time she perches on the milk crate. The tough exterior of the landfill worker peels back slowly and gently to reveal a deeply relatable character.
One particular encounter with her mum drives Beccy to seek reprieve in the mattress bin.. As another mattress is deposited without awareness of the person inside the repository Beccy is submerged into the landfill to face her insecurities. In this moment the play propels into surrealism with a side of introspection. The rich imagery is surprisingly enjoyable given the rubbish setting. Almost tasteful, if rubbish could ever be classified as such.
This show will make you laugh and wonder why you don’t get to the theatre more often. It’s a strong case for why we need more funding in the arts; because shows like this deserve to be seen by as many people as possible. Do yourself a favour and check out this hilarious gay trash show from the Northern Territory.
Smoko is on at The Blue Room Theatre from 27 Jan-31 Jan.