Presented by WA’s Black Swan State Theatre Company, Shrine stars John Howard, Whitney Richards and Sarah McNeill.

It should be noted that Shrine is not an adaptation of another of Winton’s work. Winton himself has said that his previously adapted works, whether for the stage or television have never fully been realized. Shrine however has been written purposefully for the stage and it shows.

Beautifully written and conceived, Shrine is a cleverly woven narrative that uses flashbacks and evocative imagery to tell its story so effectively that at times it feels as though you’re walking through a memory.

Performances are solid. John Howard delivers as the despondent father but I would have liked to see him stretch just that little bit further – his character being in the very real position to rip the heart right out of the audience.

Whitney Richards grew in confidence throughout the night as the rambunctious June Lenton. The banter between her and Howard a highlight and as they fell into a comfortable rhythm there were some genuine moments that were a thrill to observe.

The banter between Howard and Richards is a highlight.

The young supports are sound. Paul Ashcroft is sympathetic as Howard’s son. Luke McMahon is at both times despicable and pitiable as his ‘friend’, Will and Will McNeill plays an interestingly shaded character. His look and mannerisms alone reminding me of a very young Heath Ledger, for whom the theatre is named, but perhaps this was just hopeful thinking.

Sarah McNeill was a stand out for me but unfortunately not in a good way. A mother’s grief is never palatable and as such I always wanted to shy away from her wallowing Mary Mansfield. Granted, it is a tough role to take on but she pitches it so strongly that it plays like a Shakespearian matriarch. In the quieter moments, however, in the rare moments of clarity is where her character shines. There is an absolutely gut-wrenching scene as the funeral is relived where I challenge you not to feel something. It was one of the play’s finer, cathartic moments.

It is Winton’s ability to give us real, tangible, flawed beings. Ashcroft’s Jack is not the victim. His friends are not villains. It is Winton’s genius that leads us down one path, takes us down another until we realize we’re not on the path at all. The way he takes the ordinary and makes it extraordinary. The way he gives us beauty in literally the darkest of moments.

We left the theatre with no great revelation. No nice little bow to tie it all together. Much as it is in life. Just the faintest of promises of that which once which was, may be again. Or never was.

I give the night 8 washed up double pluggers.

Shrine is currently running at the Heath Ledger Theatre until the 15th of September. Tickets available at Ticketek

http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SHRINE13

The post Tim Winton’s ‘Shrine’: Review appeared first on andrise.com.

Yesterday, the West Australian Treasurer, Troy Buswell revealed the State Government’s plan to cut the First Home Owner Grant affecting established homes to $3000, from its previously offered $7000.

On a brighter note, if you’re looking to build or buy a newly built home then mark September 15^th 2013, (when the changes are due to take place), with a big, fat, smiley face, as your First Home Owner Grant receives a nice little buffer, increasing from $7000 to $10,000.

First it giveth, then it taketh away. The First Home Owners Grant, not the First Chair Buyers Grant

Introduced 1^st July 2000 to offset the effect of the GST on home ownership and doubled in 2008-2009 to counter GFC, at the end of the day – it’s a grant – it’s free money. And from the bottom of our wallets, we thank you. It’s $3’000 we don’t have to come up with. But you know what’s better than $3’000 dollars? $7’000.

If you’re throwing up your arms and screaming Whhhhhyyyyyy? I’ll give you a reason. I’ll give you 28.4 billion reasons. (est 2016-17 budget def)

However, I do agree with the WA State Government (wash your mouth out!) in that I don’t believe this $4000 will deter FHB. It’ll just mean renting or staying on my sister’s couch (cheques in the mail) just that little bit longer. Having said that, I don’t think $3000 will be enough incentive for anyone to buy who weren’t already planning to. This may be a political step toward having the grant removed completely.

While not a great day for people looking to buy their first home, it could have been a lot worse. (Shhh don’t mention the stamp duty exemption)

My name’s Mitch Page – and I’m a first home buyer.

For more info on how the state budget affects you, head to: http://www.ourstatebudget.wa.gov.au

The post First Home Owners Grant: First it giveth, then it taketh away. appeared first on andrise.com.