Take the law into Your Own Hands

Captivating and innovative, Take the Law into Your Own Hands is a whirlwind of 70s and 80s music and a story packed full of drama. As part of Asia TOPA and presented by Arts House, the funky storyline takes the audience on a loud and adventurous journey through the political world of the Philippines. 

The breathtaking ensemble of Sipat Lawan and others is full of Philippine and Australian talent. From singing and acting to dancing, the skill level is high. The costuming is colourful with dialogue to match. The audio contains a soundtrack of Filipino music, hymns, tunes from Les Misérables and more to fill the room with delight. From monologues to musical numbers, Take the Law into Your Own Hands is a high energy throughout. A comical take on all that is wrong in the world, from political deceits and disputes to kidnapping a Philippine popstar, the story is a bit relentless in its flow. 

The show is interactive, loud and, on occasion, dizzying. There are three stages where the story unfolds as well as a multitude of screens to look at. The story jumps from an interview with director JK Anicoche and an Australian reporter, to a beauty pageant to the kidnapping of a famous pop star. Live-feed coverage from a camera man with a handheld cam is shown on the big screens. 

The main story follows Selina (Ji-ann Lachica), who witnesses her favourite pop star get kidnapped. With the assistance of her human-rights activist older sister (Claudia Enriquez) and a soft-hearted police woman (Adrienne Vergara), Selina and the gang go on a journey to save pop star, Gracielle V (Blanche Buhia). 

Populism and celebrity culture play a big part in how the story unfolds. The show gives the audience honest referencing about how the government in the Philippines works in favour of people in show business and how pop stars are treated as royalty. 

Take the Law into Your Own Hands includes an array of Filipino references from viral dance moves and videos, to iconic techno. Regardless of the fact that the audience is not 100% from the Philippines, these references still contain loads of comedic value with occasional underlying tones of political rhetoric. It is obvious the artists are committed to their craft and embrace the show’s chaotic energy and satire. 

With violence, loud music, adult language, strobe lighting and discharge of firearms, this show is not suited to young people. A colourful and satirical take on an array of issues, Take the Law into Your Own Hands is not your average theatre production.

Take the Law into Your Own Hands
As part of Asia TOPA
Performed at Arts House, North Melbourne Town Hall, 521 Queensberry Street, North Melbourne, 3051
asiatopa.com.au/whats-on/2020/theatre/are-you-ready-to-take-the-law-into-your-own-hands