Uncle Vanya *****
Wed, 14 Sept 2005, 08:55 pmWalter Plinge1 post in thread
Uncle Vanya *****
Wed, 14 Sept 2005, 08:55 pm‘Uncle Vanya’ is on at the Octagon Theatre, UWA until the 1st October.
So often, many of these Russian plays are heavy going and the productions either poor or boring. This time is the exception.
In this adaptation by Reg Cribb, the location has been transferred to the Australian Bush. As expected from Reg, there is a great deal of humour yet on the whole the richness of the original has been retained. The true literary critics may have found it ‘too casual’, but for the average theatregoer it makes the script and understanding of the story much more enjoyable.
The tremendous qualities of this production seem to lie in the omissions as much as the inclusions. The actors, every one of whom was superb, acted with their whole bodies and faces, which could easily have ended up appearing hammy. Instead oneÂ’s interest was held throughout.
The directors, Tom Gutteridge and his ‘advanced student’ Adam Mitchell, are to be congratulated. You can only gasp at the amount of work that must have gone into this show. Every aspect seems to have been maximised.
Andrew LakeÂ’s lighting design is some of the most creative and precise that I have ever seen. Low angles, tracking lights, creative use of colour and perfect selection of lamps and their positions. The best use of barn doors on lamps that I have ever seen. Stunning.
The high quality sound effects and background noises by Kingsley Reeve was superb. One really felt as though you had been transported to the Bush.
The costumes were of the period, but how often have we seen beautiful, fresh exotic costumes on ‘plainÂ’ (to quote Sonya) country folk? Zoë AtkinsonÂ’s costumes however were of the correct tone and dare I say drabness to blend in with the environment.
I wonÂ’t name any particular actor, as the well-known cast blended together and acted beautifully as a team.
The set was simple, but with a couple of original unexpected clever effects.
I cannot recommend this play highly enough. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
If any student is considering directing, sound or lighting design as a career then this is the show to see.
So often, many of these Russian plays are heavy going and the productions either poor or boring. This time is the exception.
In this adaptation by Reg Cribb, the location has been transferred to the Australian Bush. As expected from Reg, there is a great deal of humour yet on the whole the richness of the original has been retained. The true literary critics may have found it ‘too casual’, but for the average theatregoer it makes the script and understanding of the story much more enjoyable.
The tremendous qualities of this production seem to lie in the omissions as much as the inclusions. The actors, every one of whom was superb, acted with their whole bodies and faces, which could easily have ended up appearing hammy. Instead oneÂ’s interest was held throughout.
The directors, Tom Gutteridge and his ‘advanced student’ Adam Mitchell, are to be congratulated. You can only gasp at the amount of work that must have gone into this show. Every aspect seems to have been maximised.
Andrew LakeÂ’s lighting design is some of the most creative and precise that I have ever seen. Low angles, tracking lights, creative use of colour and perfect selection of lamps and their positions. The best use of barn doors on lamps that I have ever seen. Stunning.
The high quality sound effects and background noises by Kingsley Reeve was superb. One really felt as though you had been transported to the Bush.
The costumes were of the period, but how often have we seen beautiful, fresh exotic costumes on ‘plainÂ’ (to quote Sonya) country folk? Zoë AtkinsonÂ’s costumes however were of the correct tone and dare I say drabness to blend in with the environment.
I wonÂ’t name any particular actor, as the well-known cast blended together and acted beautifully as a team.
The set was simple, but with a couple of original unexpected clever effects.
I cannot recommend this play highly enough. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
If any student is considering directing, sound or lighting design as a career then this is the show to see.