Canadian writer/star Griffin Hewitt’s one-man show was performed at Judy’s, an intimate space at Holden Street Theatres, and when we were allowed in to take our seats some of the audience very nearly stepped on Griffin himself, who was sprawled face-down on the floor.
Clad in a velvety half-costume, Griffin then leapt up and gave a veritable masterclass in being hungover after an awfully big night. It transpires that his satyr is stranded (a little Greek mythology would help here), Dionysus is scarily disappointed, there’s a cyclops somewhere nearby, and our protagonist can’t help being flawed because, as a satyr, he’s hopelessly driven by lusts.
Originally written by Hewitt during the pandemic, this initially feels like a performance that’s all about being alone, guilty, and, ahem, horny, but the audience gets drawn in too, and you can’t help but sing along with Juliette Jones’ cool tunes as they appear projected on a sheet behind the star. I was even tasked with Googling the mystery word ‘phronesis’.
Strange and eccentric, but inventive fun, this makes a series of very valid points about the nature of choices, the power of sexuality, and the whole notion of whether or not to kill the beast. Although we sadly never get to actually see the one-eyed monster.
Rating: 3.5 stars
For more information or to book tickets, visit: adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/cyclops-a-satyr-play-af2026
