A basement bar in Karangahape Rd provides an appropriate venue for a highly original variation on the classic "man walks into a bar" scenario.
The drama Sexy Buddha sets up a challenging and often amusing encounter between a world-weary bartender and a Buddhist nun who is questioning her commitment to the monastic life.
Geoff Allen's script displays a keen appreciation of the absurd, a wry sense of humour and a refreshing avoidance of neat resolutions.
Although the characters function as clearly identifiable types, the writing is sharply attuned to the peculiarities of real people and both characters emerge as engagingly complex personalities.
Their dialogue has the digressive, unpredictable quality of a well lubricated bar-room conversation as it swings wildly between earthy humour and high-minded philosophy.
