Dirt

Which country is the major exporter of dirt? According to a well-spoken yet cagey Muscovite tour guide, it is Russia.

Now on-stage at Chapel off Chapel, Angus Cameron’s Dirt is an enthralling, suspenseful and sexually charged thriller that follows a life-altering interlude between an Australian tourist (Wil King), who has a love for architecture and churches, and a Russian tour guide (Patrick Livesey), who (seemingly) toes the authoritarian government party line. As soon as they collide in a bar in Moscow, it is clear neither are who they appear to be.

Dirt takes place over the course of a sweaty, seedy night. The sexual tension between the tourist and tour guide is palpable, despite references to fictitious girlfriends. They trade flirtatious innuendo, liquid G, vulnerabilities, secrets, and, then finally, their bodies. They discuss sexuality, homophobia, persecution, and democracy. The Aussie tourist then reveals himself as a journalist seeking to film a documentary reporting on the systematic persecution of the LGBTQIA+ community in Russia and seeks the tour guide’s participation. In a surprising turn of events, the tour guide unmasks himself as a secret operative and arrests him. What ensues is a gripping, electrifying ride. 

‘Wil and I had talked a lot about queer persecution across the Russian Federation and were aware that not many people in Australia knew what was happening, explains actor/producer Patrick Livesey. 

The show was conceived in response to the anti-queer purges that took place in Chechnya in 2017 and 2019. Navigating the challenge of activism vs appropriation, Dirt draws attention to the atrocities that have occurred and aim to convey a queer identity and lived experience that Melburnians may not necessarily be aware of. Telling this story through this political lens is further complicated by the recent invasion of Ukraine, which may or may not be an uncomfortable experience for an audience member. 

Directed by Bronwen Coleman, Dirt is a masterful piece of theatre. Livesey and King are flawless in portraying the visceral connection between the tour guide and the journalist. When each deception is played out and exposed, Livesey and King put all their emotion and physicality to the fore, creating an atmosphere of never knowing what is true or false. Livesey’s range is impressive, especially in scenes where they shows off their fury. The dialogue is sharp and effective. For the most part, the play does well at not becoming too preachy, but you can’t help wonder whether the jouro is expressing some white saviour complex energy.

Oh, and the question about Russia being the major exporter of dirt. Turns out that was a fabrication. 

An entertaining ride from start to finish, don’t miss Dirt. On stage till Sunday 5 June. 

Dirt
Chapel Off Chapel, 12 Little Chapel Street, Prahran, 3181
On stage till Sunday 5 June
chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/dirt

Images: Jacinta Oaten