Theatre / Shortis and Simpson: Satire at Smiths. At Smiths Alternative, November 14. Reviewed by JOE WOODWARD

Satirists have traditionally risked jail, assassination and ostracism, yet the commitment to this artform goes back to the earliest days of the Western cultural canon.

The great satirists of yesteryear such as Aristophanes from 2400 years ago, Daniel Defoe from 1703, Jonathan Swift from 1729, Alexander Pope from 1712 all had major issues imposed upon them by authorities. Defoe was actually imprisoned as a result of his unrelenting satirical attacks.

The Bishop of Canterbury and London in 1599 banned works by John Marston and, among others, the works of the Roman satirist Juvenal.

In recent times, the Charlie Hebdo murders exemplify the delicate treading on cultural insecurities that is generated by satirising cultural and religious icons.

Shortis and Simpson have kept alive the very incisive and clever lyrical and musical satirical form that highlights and ensures an entertaining and relevant consistency.

Shortis and Simpson extoll the cheeky rebellious spirit that is at the heart of arts and cultural expression. The good humour of their presentation allows for people of all and any political persuasion to simply enjoy the fun of lampooning the major political identities of the day.

Songs are largely following well-known melodies while there is also an injection of totally new and original works.

Deft musical dexterity from John Shortis added greatly to the virtuoso vocal dexterity of Moya Simpson. The teamwork and constant creativity of Shortis and Simpson is a real bonus for the arts scene in the ACT and New South Wales.

Through incisive political nous and the ability to link to the familiar in terms of music and lyrics, Shortis and Simpson present a show that illustrates and challenges the constant stereotypes of the media and political agendas.

A highlight of the night though, was not a song, but their funny and clever Learless Feeders.  If there are many “fearless leaders” in our political domain or perhaps not, this hilarious sketch brought the house down with laughter and a nod of recognition.

Smiths Alternative with its cosy décor and inviting atmosphere is the perfect venue for satire; as it is for all kinds of presentational theatre and music.

Shortis and Simpson: Satire at Smiths provided a most entertaining and affirming presentation of the power of live communication and connection with performers and audiences.

The show performed to a full house.

The only question is: “When will younger audiences discover the pleasure and value of such delightful entertainment?”

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