“In the heat of a moment, an argument can happen,” says. “They’re explosive and emotional, but when you sit back and analyse it with the benefit of hindsight, they’re actually quite amusing. You think, ‘Why did we even argue about that, over such a small issue?'”
Newlyweds John and Sarah are about to celebrate their union, but a chaotic handful of wedding attendees – including old friends, a sleazy cousin, a disapproving sister, a judgmental aunt, philandering bosses and both timid and wildly inappropriate uncles – will eventually plunge the seemingly happy couple into a myriad of outrageous complications. The further the day goes on – and the drunker the guests get – the bigger the inevitable fireworks become.
“Table 17 is very much based on real-life experiences,” Mayer says. “Every one of the characters are inspired by real people. Of course, I have changed the names to protect the not-so-innocent. I’ve been married and divorced myself, I’ve been the MC at numerous weddings, I’ve been a best man, and also just a general ‘watcher-on’ of weddings. I’ve seen a lot of interesting things happen. I’ve heard affairs that have happened with best men and brides that have actually been revealed on the wedding day. I’ve heard arguments that have happened between family members; people that feel disgruntled because they’re not put in the right place or they don’t feel like they’ve been put on the right table close enough to the action. Obviously, alcohol always plays a huge part in these sorts of things. Weddings and funerals, there’s always alcohol at them – and you’ll always find your black sheep, your estranged family members.”
Nominated for over 30 awards throughout the 2015 One Act Play Festival circuit, Table 17 won Best Original Play, Best Comedy, Best Ensemble, Best Director and multiple Audience Favourite awards. Mayer stresses the importance of artistic clarity and passion, praising the cast for their textured, nuanced performances. Considering comedy his “great love,” he appreciates the instantaneous buzz of an audience’s laughter, weaving his works with that energy and atmosphere in mind.
“The examination of the human condition is my major focus as a writer and director – telling stories that reveal character and reveal a part of ourselves,” Mayer says. “I love that audiences associate with these characters. They’re real situations. I think that’s really important. Awards are all well and nice – it’s lovely acknowledgement from your peers and adjudicators – but at the end of the day, if we’re making audiences laugh and people are talking about what we’re doing, that to me is success.”
By Jacob Colliver
Venues: The National Theatre & Southbank Theatre, The Lawler
Dates: Thursday April 6 – Saturday April 8 & Wednesday April 19 – Saturday April 22
Duration: 65 minutes
Tickets: $25
