By David Gardette
Heirlume Productions launches its debut production with Elegies for Angels, Punks and Raging Queens, a rarely staged work that carries tremendous historical weight. For a fledgling company, it is an ambitious choice — one that honours the legacy of the Queer community and the broader human story of the AIDS crisis.
Written by Bill Russell with music by Janet Hood, Elegies premiered in 1989 as the AIDS epidemic spread worldwide. Its structure — poetic, rhyming monologues interwoven with songs — was unconventional then and still feels distinct today. Inspired by the NAMES Project AIDS Memorial Quilt, the show gives voice to individuals lost to AIDS, blending dignity, humour, rage, heartbreak, and celebration. It stands as one of theatre’s earliest responses to the crisis, humanising the epidemic.
The cast delivers an energetic and enthusiastic ensemble effort, tackling multiple characters with commitment – finely navigating the show’s emotional shifts. Vocally, the company is solid, though hampered by an inconsistent sound mix. At times performers appeared to rely too heavily on microphones rather than projection, causing important lyrics and words to be lost — a shame given the weight of the material. There were moments where some added vocal embellishments felt a little unnecessary, occasionally pulling focus from the strength of the material itself.
Director Jesse Matthews demonstrates a strong eye, shaping some genuinely lovely moments of stillness, subtlety, and focus. The overarching vision is clear and respectful of the work’s purpose. Staging is generally effective and the choreography, while technically sound, didn’t always feel essential and sometimes distracted from the text – a reminder that sometimes there is strength in stillness and letting the words and performances speak powerfully for themselves.
A tight three‑piece band led by MD Charlotte Greenslade provided a warm, well‑balanced musical foundation and was a pleasure to hear throughout.
The bare performance space is enriched by the presence of an authentic AIDS quilt, generously lent by Thorne Harbour Health. This was a touching and grounding visual reminder of the show’s origins and purpose.
Heirlume Productions’ inaugural show is a heartfelt and commendable start — thoughtful, sincere, and respectful of the material. While there are areas that would benefit from refinement, the production’s spirit, sincerity, and historical importance shine through.
It was a pleasure and privilege to attend Heirlume’s first outing, and it’s exciting to imagine what this young company will bring to the Melbourne stage next. It’s always a joy to see less‑frequently performed works given fresh life, especially ones as meaningful as Elegies.
Image: Darren Thao
