Dragons are often representative of important elements of humanity. Whether it’s Smaug hoarding gold, Puff getting abandoned by an aging child, or even the dragon slain by St George being analogous to a generally intimidating situation, dragons are heralds of significance.
This brings us to Dragon I, the newest show written by James Berlyn and Adam Kelly, tackling the very real threat A.I. poses to storytelling.
Under Berlyn’s direction, performer Adam Kelly moves casually and appears to be portraying himself in what starts as a lecture on his history writing about dragons. Three TV screens line the back of the set, periodically showing text and drawings, guiding us through his fantastical tales.
Everyone is encouraged to draw a dragon during the performance, using a complimentary pencil and paper. They can also call out details of an individual dragon that is made at the start of the show, unique to that specific crowd, and projected onto one of the screens.
The “crowd’s dragon” (it was called Kevin) is discussed at the tail end of the show, with Adam and Jade referencing its idiosyncratic features (wings, number of legs, personality etc.) in an attempt to be inspired by the awesome creation. It’s easily the highlight of Dragon I.
I was left wondering who the target audience is, as the scattered swearing and mature A.I. ideas make it unsuitable for young viewers. Meanwhile the colourful drawings and bouncy energy from the performers can feel patronising.
What lets Dragon I down the most is its mismanagement of tone. What begins as a sincere speech about how childish creations can have lasting effects in your adult life, Adam’s hyper assistant, Jade, bounds onto stage and gestures as if talking to a crowd of toddlers, in a show that contains expletives.
Adam doesn’t look comfortable on stage, evident by his frequent pacing and visible reliance on the script, making it difficult for the performance to fully settle.
Overall, Dragon I was disappointing; it had a lack of focus and an inconsistent tone. Much like a slumbering dragon, there is fire, but at the moment it isn’t being completely used.
Dragon I runs to 1 March at the Subiaco Arts Centre as part of 2026 Perth Festival. 180 Hamersley Road Subiaco WA 6008.
Tickets: https://www.perthfestival.com.au/program/season-2026/dragon-i
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/perthfest/ and https://www.instagram.com/westberlynspace/
Photo credits: Aaron Claringbold
