ADELAIDE FRINGE FESTIVAL REVIEW: Planting the Dunk Botanic Gardens

Written by Mark O’Connor and performed entirely by David Malikoff, this performance explores the realities of nature versus multinational big business. Performed at Holden Street Theatres, a quaint theatre in Adelaide’s inner suburb of Hindmarsh.

Malikoff gives a stirring performance whilst telling a compelling and heartfelt story. It is obvious how passionate he is about the topic of conservation and quite simply, gardening. He is in peak physical shape and tells the story of the barriers involved in creating an ecologically sustainable garden on Dunk Island. He engages you by briefly switching to a few different characters encountered on the Island resorts.

Whilst the show has few props save a single chair and a handkerchief, the lighting is effective on an otherwise bland stage. The projected screen visuals and the music did much to bring the set to life.

What is truly amazing about this one man performance is Malikoffs ability to memorise the monologue with references a plenty to plant life, some of which most of us have never heard of. Unfortunately, this may be a factor in this show not appealing to the mainstream.

The story is one of great significance in these times of climate change and enforces the message in a heartfelt way. Malikoff is superb in his ability to enthral and the serious side is contrasted perfectly with his witty humour. You get lost in the story in such a way that you forget it is actually a very long poem.

PLANTING THE DUNK BOTANIC GARDENS
27 Feb at 7.30pm All Tix $12.00
How much: FringeBENEFITS $17.00*/ Adult $22.00/ Conc. $17.00/
When: 28 Feb - 7 March at 2:30pm, 6:30pm & 7:30pm (Check listing for details)
Where: Holden Street Theatres (The Arch) - 34 Holden Street (next to soccer stadium) Hindmarsh
Duration: 1 - 1.5hous/ Wheelchair Access/ FringeTIX Listing