Auckland Theatre Company and Auckland Live present
RBG: Of Many, One
A Sydney Theatre Company production
By Suzie Miller
Dir Priscilla Jackman
Design David Fleischer
Lighting Alexander Berlage
Soun design Paul Charlier
With Heather Mitchell
ASB Waterfront Theatre
Until 7 June
Reviewed by Malcolm Calder
Sometimes things are timely. At others, times are the thing.
In contemporary America the role of Ruth Bader Ginsburg in shaping American judicial practice could not be more pertinent. Affectionately known by her supporters as ‘RBG’, this iconic woman inspired generations of women to break gender barriers, to face up to gender discrimination and to both pursue and achieve civil rights for all. Following a stellar career as an academic and jurist, her ultimate ambition was to reshape the very architecture of the American judicial system – the United States Supreme Court by becoming only the second woman – and first Jewish woman – to do so, serving in this role at the pinnacle of her career for 27 years until her death in 2020.
Her achievements were a slow yet methodical process, frustrating yet elevating and timely given the social changes wrought during her lifetime. As Ginsberg herself has said ‘real change, enduring change, happens one step at a time’.
Yet, a mere half dozen years after her death, the separation of powers is being slowly unwound. Political will and government imperatives are inchingly influencing juridical wisdom, and many of her views and principles are starting to become regarded as minor ones.
In this powerful, nuanced and reflective work, playwright Suzie Miller has created something one can get one’s teeth into. She has produced something that is a powerful, appetising and highly intelligent work the like of which is a rarity. What a joy.
Heather Mitchell – on a simple set, with only a spotlight, a single chair and the occasional prop triumphs. She creates some notable characters – none of whom we actually see – that are only figments created by the genius of the actor working with Miller’s words. From husband Marty (who I could swear was just offstage), to subtle discussion and argument by phone with a basketball-focussed Bill Clinton, to the pragmatic and political realism of a Barack Obama and ultimately the nonsensical idiocy of the current incumbent, the small and even frail figure of RBG emanates wisdom, consideration and a power that belies her physical presence.
As noted, David Fleischer’s set is spare and subtle, enabling Alexander Berlage to light things in a magical way introducing sizing and scale, while Paul Charlier’s score intelligently reflects her lifelong interest in opera underpinning everything. Collectively, director Priscilla Jackman has welded together a team that has created a theatrical triumph.
So congratulations to ATC for ensuring we continue to see high-level Sydney Theatre Company work. And STC itself never fails to raise the bar.
RBG: Of Many, One is what I long for every time I go to the theatre. Do not miss this.
New Zealand Arts Review 