If you think that the world is going to the dogs, you need to see _x001C_ Bred to Perfection_x001D_ . Accidental Productions puts our society _x001C_ on show_x001D_ with this new production by Dutch writer Ko van den Bosh, translated and adapted by Joh Hartog and Alex Vickery-Howe. Bred to Perfection is at times hilarious, and occasionally confronting, but never politically correct. It is set in a small dog-walking park where a collection of people and dogs meet and talk. An ambitious poodle meets a horny German shepherd, housewives discuss changes in the racial mix of their neighbourhood (aahhh, those asylum seekers& ), three middle-class men discuss the uses of different fats, and one dog owner has just escaped from a locked ward in an asylum for the insane. If you think this sounds oddly familiar, it could just be that it is an accurate reflection of our own society. First performed at the Bakehouse in December 2008 as a workshop production, this version is tighter, smarter, faster, and impressiver. This is what the reviewers said of the 2008 production: _x001C_ Bred to Perfection_x001D_ , written in 2003 by Dutch playwright Ko van den Bosch, is an usually grim and nasty series of often hilarious diatribes. There were good scenes a-plenty& The theme of frustration, intentions thwarted, is evident throughout. Expect the unexpected because you never quite know what will unfold as each scene begins. In the non-stop show & the cast has to be expert at quick costume changes. And what costumes! All well researched and just right for the character. Director Joh Hartog, who has also translated this extraordinarily bizarre piece, has plenty of ideas and the cast are given lots of rein (leash?) in which to shine. _x0013_ Richard Flynn, Adelaide Theatre Guide. Director Joh Hartog and his talented young ensemble maintain a relentless but deft balance between dark mirth and understated poignancy& fine acting and an excellent translation of Ko Van den Bosch_x0019_ s script raises the production into a first-rate snipe at society. _x0013_ Stephen Davenport, Independent Weekly The simple set of side bleaches and a bench is all that_x0019_ s required - and dog leads tugging their owners from off stage. Hartog_x0019_ s cast; Alice Darling, Stephanie Pinnock, Mark Fantasia, Robert Tompkins, Dave Hirst and Jessica Barnden handle the complexities of the work brilliantly. Their capacity to manage some outrageous characters and communicate the serious intent behind the dark comedy is superb. _x0013_ David O_x0019_ Brien, dB. Directed by Joh Hartog, the production features among others Robert Tompkins and David Hirst. The design is by Tammy Boden and the music is by Explosion Proof Motor. We have all heard of the over-breeding of dogs to the point where they start showing faults, but could this also apply to our whole society? Come and find out for yourself at CitySoul!
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