Theatre group collects kudos for dramatic play

The Margaret River Theatre Group is riding high on accolades received for its 2024 production of a 1970s dramatic play, which received rave reviews from audiences and two special awards at the 2024 Finley Awards.

Hosted by the WA Independent Theatre Association, the awards recognise outstanding achievements in community theatre.

Director Jaime Werren was at the awards night, where her play ‘Dusa, Fish, Stas and Vi‘ was named runner up Play of the Year, and received an award for the 1970s apartment set she created in the HEART Studio Theatre.

First time actor Elisha Caulfield (Dusa) received a nomination for Best Newcomer, while Kylie Clifford was nominated for best costumes.

“It is huge,” Werren told the Mail. “There were over 140 submissions, spread across three categories. Just to be recognised with a couple of nominations across that field is something to be proud of.”

Werren became familiar with the story of the four women living together in a London flat after her mother starred in a production of the play when Jaime was a young girl. Determined to create an authentic representation of the era, she set about sourcing set pieces, artworks, and costumes.

“I managed to collect majority of all my large set pieces before we even began rehearsing,” she said. “Of course we didn’t have a huge budget so just had to make do with what was available to us. A couple of dashes to Perth with the trailer and my trusty props lady Janine and we were set!”

Music was a major factor in creating ‘the vibe’.

“I started collating songs the moment I knew I was going to do the play,” she said. “Music can be so immersing, and I loved popping on some Janis Joplin and searching for images of what would work.

“The feedback from the playlist was fantastic, I had to make it public and share it. I still play it today.”

Transforming the Studio into a cosy and colourful London flat proved challenging at times.

“I didn’t want to build a room with flats and walls, but to use the Studio Theatre space as the room. This proved a little difficult due to the fact that there were no walls to hang items on, or doorways to show entrances and exits.

“The HEART tech team assisted in suspending a large copper print from the bars in the roof to pull the back ‘wall’ forward and allow lighting on the floor behind. This was important to create the mood, plus it was important for me to have the print featured as it also hung on set when my mum was in the play in the 70s!”

Werren said the labour of love was made even more special thanks to the efforts of the production team, actors and theatre group supporters.

“I cried on opening night. In fact, I cried every night,” she said. “The amount of work that we put in to creating a show is ridiculous. Endless hours of poring over the script, collating set pieces, making sure the outfits don’t clash on stage.

“I may be biased, but the show was perfect. All the tiny details in the set, and Kylie’s beautiful, colourful costumes.

“And don’t even get me started on the amazing talent of the four women on stage. They brought my vision to life, and for that I could not be more thankful and proud.”

Werren said the awards were testament to the “amazing talent” in Margaret River, on and off stage.

“It was such a surprise to receive the award amongst some largely established theatre groups. Plus it has made me realise not to be so hard on myself – I did good.”