With the advent of AI well and truly upon us, Melbourne Theatre Company’s The Robot Dog is a show perfectly suited for the times. It’s here thanks to Asia TOPA, a celebration of all things Asian arts. The show runs at The Lawler this month, coming to life from acclaimed writers Roshelle Yee Pui Fong and Matthew Ngamurarri Heffernan, who first brought it to MTC’s NEXT STAGE Writers’ Program back in 2021.
The Robot Dog takes a journey to 2040s Australia, which is, perhaps surprisingly, only a measly fifteen years away. We find ourselves in the house of Melanie Chan Wing Lam (Jing-Xuan Chan), who recently passed away. Her daughter Janelle Chan Yi Ling (Kristie Nguy) is joined by her partner Harry (Tjapaltjarri) Burnett (Ari Maza Long), as they try to clean up the decades’ worth of stuff in her Smart House.
As well as Melanie, Chan also plays the role of the Smart Home assistant, Hus and The Robot Dog. These performances deserve to be commended, as the characters exist only through voice. Chan finds the perfect timbre between lifeless AI and human expression.
Hus comes to life via an LED Light placed on the back of the stage, which works well not to overpower the actors. The Robot Dog, a character appearing exactly as the name suggests, also works perfectly not to overpower the cast. You are drawn to the dog only when it speaks, which is precisely how it should be.
Through the lens of loss, The Robot Dog looks at the world of identity and culture. We see Janelle, a woman of Cantonese heritage, and Harry, a First Nations man, both losing touch with their ancestry. The pair try to use AI to help them along the way before realising it’s better if they try on their own.
The chemistry between Nguy and Long is unparalleled, as we see them effortlessly battle through love, loss, and confusion. They draw us into their relationship from the get-go. Thanks to the pair’s superb performances, under the direction of Amy Sole, the play’s heavy subject matter resolves quite well, even with the distilled 1 hour 20 minutes runtime.
It’s important to also highlight the illuminating stage design by Nathan Burmeister and lighting design by BROCKMAN. The Lawler’s open stage plan gives the show an immersive feel. At times, the show could have benefited from a few more props to keep the actors engaged and maintain momentum. But with no real set changes, one feels like they are right there in the living room.
Music by Chun Yin Rainbow Chan is interspersed between scenes and gives the show a futuristic feel. The production team has ensured every element feels like it’s true to form for the era.
With a diverse audience spanning all ages and backgrounds, The Robot Dog offers something for everyone. Thanks to its impeccable casting, original storytelling, and immersive set design, The Robot Dog stands out as a must-see in Melbourne’s packed theatre calendar this March.
The Robot Dog is on now until 21 March at Southbank Theatre, The Lawler. The show will tour regionally to Ballarat in March and Mildura in April.
Tickets: https://tickets.mtc.com.au/production/18894
Website: https://www.mtc.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/melbtheatreco/
Photo credits: Tiffany Garvie
