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Purple Cows Justin Hamilton Rhino Room Until Sat 13 March Ever wonder where the innocence and magic of childhood go? Ex-Adelaide boy Justin Hamilton does and Purple Cows is the result. Based on an overheard remark from a mother to daughter that there are no such things as purple cows, Hamilton bemoans the loss of imagination and inherent creativity within adult society. His basis is mild depression, an increasing obsession with Something For Kate (the New Cure/Smiths) and the death of his beloved dog Cooper; the result is renewed contact with those nearest and dearest. Between times are some brilliantly funny stories packed with imaginary friends, well crafted one-liners and fantastic flights of tangential fancy. Hamilton introduces us to his childhood replete with his imaginary friend Jeffrey. Jeffrey becomes the link of the show while Hamilton winds his way merrily through life encounters such as his bearded primary school bully Debra, to his first magic mushroom experience and failed dates with phone junkies. Jeffrey becomes the focus for Hamilton's search for meaning; find Jeffrey and Hamilton will be able to find himself. Hamilton introduces us to other imaginary friends including a newsreader who lives under a bed, an oil-stain called Matt, and Clowny Queen of Bongs' factory worker who makes steps for Teddy Bears. Hamilton's self-proclaimed penchant for tangents produces some of the finest moments of the show including the dyslexic YMCA, the Australian Marvin Gaye Show (Marvin G'Day), the indignities of toilet training and the physically based recurring sperm. It also enables Hamilton to mix gentle and wry observations with pointed institutional accusations to produce what is essentially a tragicomedy. Purple Cows is piss pants funny in patches. It made me smile in others and actually think about the nature of friendship, childhood and adulthood; it becomes a tale with a message for those who want it or just a show full of good times for those who want that. Well worth seeing, just like old friends. |
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