Review: Will O'Mahony's 'Day (After Day) in the Life of the Useless' at Black Swan State Theatre Company

Theatre critic Wolfgang von Flügelhorn reviews Will O'Mahony's new play 'Day (After Day) in the Life of the Useless', performed by the Black Swan State Theatre Company at the Heath Ledger Theatre in Perth until 20 September. The play follows Pete, a schlemiel who loses his fiancée, job, family, and soul, drawing on medieval morality plays like Everyman and Yiddish humour. O'Mahony, who also stars as Pete, explores themes of AI, robotics, dehumanisation, and loss of empathy. The production, directed by Adam Mitchell with O'Mahony as associate director, employs cartoonish design by Fiona Bruce and Riannon Walker, lighting by Mark Haslem, and music by Ash Gibson Grieg. While the performances are amusing, particularly Catherine Moore's roles, the critic argues that the exaggerated, two-dimensional characterisations undermine the play's dramatic impact and emotional connection. He suggests a more Kafkaesque approach would better serve the play's ambiguity and social commentary. O'Mahony is praised as a subtle writer with a unique voice, and the critic hopes for a future production that allows that voice to be heard.