One Word ... Magnificent!

One Word ... Magnificent!

One Word ... We!
New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown
Until January 29
Book through MCA Ticketing on 9873 3575

Review by Wendy Varney

Sydney's summer brings rich theatre offerings but surely none warmer and of better value than this musical biography of radical United States folk singer Pete Seeger, returning to the New Theatre after a previous sell-out season there.

One Word ... We! takes us through the life of Seeger, now 80, and with it a whistle-stop tour of social attitudes, discord and triumph in 20th century USA. We witness both the closed-mindedness and fear in post-war USA and the challenges and victories of those who sought a more humane and enlightened society.

Seeger can be counted as one who struggled and brought about change. He was once the most boycotted, banned and picketed singer in the US, yet he is one of that country's most influential musicians, with his music widely known and appreciated, and recorded by a plethora of others.

Indeed, while the story is profound, it is the music which steals the show. Those who lived through the Cold War, the Vietnam War, the horror stories of the coup in Chile and the rise of the environmental movement will hang on every word and tap their feet with every note.

Younger people, too, will enjoy folk favourites such as "Turn! Turn! Turn!" and "We Shall Not be Moved". Here is a show which contrasts the dissonance of prejudice with the harmonies of the music which strove to overcome it.

Written by Australian Maurie Mulheron, who takes part in the show, One Word ... We! is performed in the spirit of Seeger's music, which encourages participation. The separation of performers and audience blurs as the evening unfolds, with people feeling both empowered and inspired.

Although there are moments of sadness and bewilderment, such as when we learn of two boys becoming orphans as their parents, the Rosenbergs, are sent to the electric chair, the overwhelming feeling of the show is one of hope. We are reminded that any movement is greater than the sum of its parts and that both solidarity and music are part of its strength.

The talent and vibrancy of the performers lifts this show to levels of exhilaration. Among the performers is Jeannie Lewis, surely one of Australia's most talented and committed artists. Other newer faces do not disappoint. In both design and execution, this is a superb production.

At $25 each, or $15 concession, One Word ... We! is a Sydney Fringe Festival event which should not be missed.