Lots to dig about The Dog Logs
by Evie Lamb, Ballarat Times
When theatre-maker Gin O’Brien found a script for a play about dogs she knew straight away she
must stage it.
As a result, Ballarat National Theatre is now getting ready to present the local premiere of The
Dog Logs, a play written by C.J. Johnson and directed by O’Brien in her directorial debut.
“I love dogs,” said O’Brien who is vice president of BNT and known for prior appearances in stage
shows including Wyrd Sisters and Steel Magnolias.
“When I came across The Dog Logs, I knew I had to put it on,” she said.
“It was Australian, it was all done in monologues and it was about dogs. Perfect.”
“When I was a child, my parents bred and showed dogs. This interest meant weekends spent at
dog shows and a house full of dogs who lived inside and took up all the couches in the living room.”
O’Brien’s background provides this first-time director the sort of pooch-centric profile to help bring
Johnson’s script to life.
From a tough Rottweiler with neighbour problems, to a prima donna toy poodle who wants attention, the collection of hilarious and heart-breaking monologues examines the lives of dogs across many breeds, ages and situations.
In the process it digs up stories of friendship, romance, and revenge to offer a refreshing take
on canine life that’s touching and surprisingly human.
The cast features a line-up of local actors including Ethan McCart as MC, Laura Farrow as Maddie and Tallulah, Jessica Hillman as Sparky, Peppa and Polly, Grant Johnson as Borys, Alfred, Samson, Mungo and Blacki, Josh Shuttleworth as Scarface, Sherlock and Ando, Lily Smith as Savoir Faire, and Pat Warfe as Jack.
The Dog Logs is being staged at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute with eight performances available to fetch between Friday 10 and Sunday 19 April, with evening and matinee options.
