Exploring 'Amplified': A Tribute to Chrissy Amphlett's Legacy

In a heartfelt yet fragmented tribute to the late rock icon Chrissy Amphlett, actor Sheridan Harbridge presents 'Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett,' a part-biographical tour and concert currently showcased at Melbourne's Rising festival before heading to Brisbane. The performance seeks to capture the spirit of Amphlett, known for her bold presence and subversive artistry as the lead singer of the Divinyls, yet it struggles to deliver a fully illuminating portrait of the singer's life and career.

Chrissy Amphlett, a pivotal figure in the Australian rock scene, emerged during the late 1970s from the rough-and-tumble pub rock culture. With a career marked by both feminist punk influences and a distinctive vocal style, Amphlett's legacy is characterized by her vibrant performances and candid lyrics, which often addressed themes of sex, empowerment, and personal struggle. Tragically, her life was cut short by cancer in 2013, leaving behind a significant void in the music landscape.

Harbridge opens the performance with a captivating rendition of 'I’ll Make You Happy,' establishing an energetic atmosphere. However, she opts for a suggestive rather than a precise portrayal of Amphlett, borrowing some of her vocal mannerisms without fully immersing herself in the character. This nuanced choice is both the charm and limitation of 'Amplified.' As noted by Dr. Lisa McDonald, a cultural historian at the University of Melbourne, 'Harbridge's performance captures the essence of Amphlett's rebellious spirit but occasionally falters in delivering the depth of her experiences.'

The narrative unfolds within a framework that oscillates between Amphlett's tumultuous childhood in Geelong, characterized by abuse and addiction, and her later struggles in New York City. Harbridge conveys the desperation of these early years through a powerful rendition of 'Boys in Town,' encapsulating the urgency of Amphlett's plea for escape. Yet, while songs like 'Good Die Young' poignantly reflect her decline, the performance often glosses over her time with the Divinyls, which remains a crucial chapter in her story. According to Dr. Sarah Johnson, a musicologist at the University of Sydney, 'The emotional weight of Amphlett's songs is not fully realized in the performance, leaving audiences with an incomplete understanding of her impact.'

The artistic direction by Sarah Goodes attempts to weave a coherent narrative throughout the performance, yet the execution feels hesitant. The device of framing the concert as a final act before an unrealized solo show lacks the strength to tie the segments together meaningfully. Many viewers, particularly those unfamiliar with Amphlett's story, may find the structure confusing. According to James Mitchell, a theatre critic for The Age, 'While the ambition of the show is commendable, it ultimately feels disjointed and lacks the clarity needed to do Amphlett's legacy justice.'

Despite its shortcomings, 'Amplified' shines when it connects Harbridge's personal experiences of feminism with Amphlett's life. Early in the performance, Harbridge shares an anecdote about her own sexual awakening, relating it to Amphlett's song 'I Touch Myself.' However, the decision to delay the song's performance until the end diminishes its emotional punch, making it feel like an afterthought rather than a climactic moment.

In its current iteration, 'Amplified' grapples with the challenge of paying homage to a complex figure like Amphlett. Harbridge's reluctance to physically embody Amphlett and her tendency to flirt with imitation rather than fully commit to the role may leave audiences wanting. As Dr. Emily Carter, a performance studies expert at the University of Queensland, articulates, 'Until Harbridge finds a way to channel Amphlett's raw energy, the tribute remains underdeveloped.'

'Amplified: The Exquisite Rock and Rage of Chrissy Amphlett' is running in Melbourne until June 13, 2025, before moving to the Brisbane festival from September 19 to 21. While the performance offers a glimpse into the life of a rock legend, it ultimately presents a fragmented tribute that invites further exploration of Amphlett's profound influence on Australian music and culture.