We are at a shindig with Johannes Brahms. It is to celebrate the first performance of the German’s Violin Concerto. Many of his friends are here, and tonight they’re going to party like it’s 1878. Love, jealousy, scorn, passion and plenty of booze are all invited. What could possibly go wrong?

Nicholas Collett and Neil Savage in Oysters at the Adelaide Fringe. Photo supplied

Written by Neil Salvage who also plays Brahms (and others) with a persuasive ferocity, Oyster Creatives’ Oysters is a confronting tale. Salvage’s compelling attempts to paint Brahms as a drunk, obnoxious, pompous expletive, still leaves us unable to escape the extraordinary beauty of the classical composer’s oeuvre. It creates a conflict in which we seek to find the identity of the tormenter behind the mastermind. It’s as clever as it is disquieting.

Actor and Producer Nicholas Collett skilfully plays a raft of characters – violinist Joseph Joachim is our favourite for this showing – to great effect, seamlessly transitioning from one role to another with no loss of dramatic tempo. Stefanie Rossi as Clara Schumann is exceptional. Resplendent in black, she conveys pain, icy bitterness and frustration, whilst maintaining the composure of the...