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Left - (l-r) Tim Crouch, A Smith. Cover  - (l-r) A Smith, Tim Crouch. Photos - Nina Urban

“an ok tree is a two hander. The author, Tim Crouch, plays one role with the second role played by a different guest actor at each performance. When the second actor walks on stage at the start of the show, they have neither read nor seen a word of the play they are about to be in“.

So reads the introductory paragraph in the program notes. Intriguing stuff!

To assist the guest actor, various devices including pieces of script and directions via an earpiece are used. No rehearsal has been given, and the two performers only meet each other about an hour before the performance begins. 

Crouch has certainly devised a marvellous piece of theatre that is designed not just to entertain but rather to explore ’the play’ - an oak tree is indeed a play. 

The play itself need not be discussed here, as it is meant to be discovered for the very first time by both the audience and the guest performer. This experience will vary from night to night and the performance will never be perfect.

Previous guest performers include F. Murray Abraham, Laurie Anderson and Mike Myers. 

The guest performer on Melbourne’s opening night was Jane Turner, which delighted the audience. Being the first Australian actor to be ’subjected’ to this experience would not have been easy for anyone, however experienced.

Turner, however, allowed herself to be open and trusted in the guidance and direction of Crouch. While never appearing quite comfortable in the unfamiliar territory, she settled in and helped create a fascinating piece of theatre.

Crouch is an accomplished actor and writer and has carefully thought out the scenario and how to realise his vision. He worked marvellously with Turner always ensuring that she was being supported in everything she did.

Some of what made the evening not work well though, was the blurred lines between what’s real and what’s not. The action moves in and out of the play and there were moments when it was hard for the audience (and Turner) to be sure which reality they were witnessing. One could regard this as part of the process, I suppose.

The direction is credited to Karl James and a smith who regularly work with Crouch. The collaboration works well and it would be interesting to see some of their other work.

This piece may always be a work in progress, but at the end of the performance one leaves very tempted to return and see a new actor take on the task of discovering an oak tree.    


Melbourne International Arts Festival and News From Nowhere present
an oak tree
by Tim Crouch

Venue: the Arts Centre, Fairfax Studio
When: Fri 10 – Mon 13 Oct at 7pm
Duration: 1hr no interval
Prices: Full $35 / Groups (8+) $31.50 / Conc $26.25 / Student/MF-Y $25
Bookings: Ticketmaster 1300 136 166 / www.melbournefestival.com.au