Strata Inc.

It’s a sibling rivalry like no other. Instead of petty squabbles over the last chicken drumstick at dinner, Andrew and Lysa Strata battle for the CEO office with private ensuite. On stage till Saturday, 8 December, North of Eight’s latest production Strata Inc. shines an unforgiving, razor-edged light on those within the grasp of power – will they rise or wither away? Milk Bar Mag attended the opening night to see what all the fuss was about. 

The majority of the play takes place in recently deceased Frank Strata’s CEO office – an omnipresent reminder that “power” is the driving force and the backdrop of the story. Andrew Strata (Jordan Fraser-Trumble), the heir apparent of the family empire, prepares to meet the board while his diffident wife, Angela (Jessica Martin), resigns herself to the role of wife, mother and executive assistant. Despite career aspirations of her own, she loyally supports her man, while he is more interested in sinking champagnes in the office with his work buddies, including Rachel (Phoebe Anne Taylor). 

Celebrations are cut short and the drama is upped a notch with the arrival of Lysa (Jessica Stanley), Andrew’s half-sister. The self-made, self-help guru declares their father left Strata Inc. to her, much to everyone’s shock. Refusing to believe her, an explosive argument between Andrew and Lysa ensues which results in tracksuit-clad Andrew storming out. Determined to prove her claim, Lysa unsuccessfully tries to unlock the safe triggering a security breach. Trapped inside, the motley crew must put their differences aside in order to break out. 

So, who is the rightful CEO? For me – and perhaps this is because I’m a television enthusiast who loves good boardroom intrigue – it was obvious. Did it take away from the integrity and entertainment value of the show? Not at all. Strata Inc. is a character study of the relationship between power and its effect on different types of people – whether it’s at work, in relationships or in trivial exchanges. Ideals of masculinity, feminist rhetoric and “valuing our voice” are all critiqued with entertaining rigour. 

“The play ultimately looks at all the things that hold power over us … and what we do when we feel we gain the upper hand, or what we do in situations when we’ve always expected to have it,” says Martin. 

Much praise goes to the ensemble cast, who work well on the confined stage. Fraser-Trumble captures the essence of the playboy son swimming in his father’s suit. Siobhan Connors’ timing and delivery was on point, and her portrayal of the office cleaner who idolises Lysa provided the comic relief the dramatic scenes needed. It was also fascinating to watch the characters of Lysa and Rachel interact, as Stanley and Taylor showed their characters’ strengths in different ways.

Brazen, unapologetic and entertaining, put Strata Inc. on your agenda.

Strata Inc.
The Burrow, 83 Brunswick Street, Fitzroy
Till Saturday, 8 December 2018
northofeight.com.au/season-2018-1

Pictures: Sare Clarke Photography