Lots of full-on fun in play about the ups and downs of a bunch of rough-and-ready foul-mouthed friends.
This highly entertaining, funny dramedy more than lives up to its actual title which is deemed too rude to print in full: this "mofo" show delivers fruity words with relish. And it points out that one woman's verbal obscenities are another's terms of endearment: "I'll kick a three-legged kitten down a flight of f***in' stairs rather than say some shit like 'I love you'," says one character.
The man with the hat might be cuckolding the lead character, Jackie, who's just out of prison. But Jackie's Puerto Rican girlfriend Veronica denies it: "You got an imagination like Dr f***ing Seuss or something!"
American playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis conjures up a claustrophobic city for his lower-class, multicultural New Yorkers, whose desperate need for each other makes their frail relations more resilient.
It's a world where a "user" might use coke, or people, or both; where associates can have a "PhD in manipulation and self-loathing" and where anti-addiction sponsors say steamingly infuriating things like, "I respect your anger".
The large, coarse mouthfuls of dialogue are enjoyably impressive. The verbose tirades full of casual explicit imagery don't lose their coherence, no matter how wasted or angry the five characters get - a satisfying fantasy.
The traverse set is low-budget serviceable but director Edwin Wright delivers a very assured production with good performances and accents. "Fierce" Veronica has some of the best lines, clothes and lingerie - and exciting newcomer Saraid Cameron glows brightly in the part. John Tui as a camp cousin skilfully combines frilly gestures with groundedness.
The chemistry between Veronica and Jackie is briefly stilted but soon they're fighting rather than loving, and the couple's ease with this form of communication rings true. When Jackie's furious, Calum Gittins' whole torso turns rage red.
The last two scenes could be cut a little, but that's a small quibble. This is recommended; great value at $25.
Review
What: The Mother... with the Hat
Where: The Basement, to June 14
Reviewer: Janet McAllister