Review: Destiny Doomed

**Pictured (L to R)**: Clarise Ooi (Deirdre) and Elliot Daniel Gough (Naoise). *Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography.*

If you are thinking of booking tickets to Observatory Theatre’s latest show, Destiny Doomed, I suggest that you move quickly; the opening weekend is already sold out, and the show closes on 8 October.

The mythological Irish tale of the life and death of the doomed ‘Deirdre of the Sorrows’ –a story of ‘beauty, lust, and death dating back to ancient Ireland—has inspired much retelling (including in a twentieth century play). Brisbane-based Anina-Marie Van Wyk has brought this ancient tale (about a woman doomed to be the most beautiful woman in Ireland) to new audiences, with a contemporary twist. In Destiny Doomed, the myth is reinterpreted as a musical, featuring female empowerment and agency.

Van Wyk is clearly a talented composer, and I am sure audiences will enjoy the original acoustic folk-pop score. I have often found that it is best to separate out roles as author/composer and director. However, Van Wyk managed to juggle roles as Director, Musical Director, Author and Composer (Book, Music and Lyrics) to present a captivating and enjoyable show. I am sure this is due in no small part to the work and support of the cast and fellow creatives (including Lachlan Driscoll, Producer).

Congratulations to the team on the great casting. Conchubar (Kieran J Evans) is portrayed a suitably creepy and predatory King—albeit that I found the ‘nude’ song a little repetitive, and I had to resist the temptation to engage in pantomimic boos (when Conchubar sang of a desire for Deidre, while stroking her hair) and cheers (when the baddie got their just desserts!). Elliot Daniel Gough (Naoise) is appropriately youthful and heroic, with a lovely voice and believable portrayal of the ‘love at first sight’ husband. Jesse Blachut (Maigne) has a challenging role, and the preview sound cues didn’t always favour Blachut. Ideally I’d like to have been a little more shocked when Maigne does the King’s bidding, but that is more a script detail than any comment on the performance.

Laura Fois (Blathnaid, Scathach) had some of my favourite musical numbers in the show. I am guessing these parts are not easy to sing, but Fois’ performance is a definite highlight of the evening: great vocal control and convincing as both of the strong female characters. Clarise Ooi (Deirdre) has a fantastic stage presence, and lovely voice. Ooi is believable as the young woman who wishes to follow her heart, and to try to fight against her doomed destiny.

Previews are an opportunity to resolve any final issues. This preview did have a few ‘sound’ challenges, some feedback and missing sound cues and a few notes that went astray (perhaps due to difficulty with in-ear monitors?). But I am sure those issues will be ironed out for the run .

I continue to ponder the ideal target audience for this show. Many of the lyrics and musical themes sounded perfect for a Disney movie. However, this is a story that features sexual predators, female repression, victim-blaming, and murder. Perhaps a slight reworking would make Destiny Doomed an excellent show for young adults (with some suitable education packs to provoke classroom debate as to key themes), or even placing the show in cabaret venues might enable focus on a darker/adult performances.

Verdict: Well-cast, with a great score. I look forward to seeing future developments of Van Wyk’s Destiny Doomed Deidre; perhaps in a theatre, or by a campfire. And I can’t wait to see where Observatory Theatre will take audiences in their next season.

Catherine Lawrence

Audience information: Destiny Doomed (6:30pm, 29 September – 8 October, 2022), Edmonstone Street, Musgrave Park, South Brisbane (in the Park, opposite the Novotel Hotel). Simulated violence, sexual references, occasional mild coarse language (13+?). This premiere season of Destiny Doomed is performed in Musgrave Park (‘under the stars’, and when evenings are still cool), so I strongly recommend wrapping up warmly, and remember the advice to ticket buyers to bring a blanket or two, and chairs. Grazing platters are available for purchase (suggest pre-purchase, or bring picnic snacks). Be assured that the Observatory Theatre team watch the weather forecasts closely, and will advise ticketholders of any likely changes in the case of wet weather. Tickets $35, plus booking fee ($20 concession, and $15 preview night). 80 minutes, no interval.

The reviewer attended the 29 September preview.

Image: Clarise Ooi (Deirdre). Picture credit: Creative Futures Photography

Geoff Lawrence