REVIEW: The Soldier's Tale - Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne

As posted on Arts Hub By David Allen Stravinsky's Histoire Du Soldat (The Soldier's Tale), one of the most rarely performed of his works, is a harrowing look into the mind and psyche of a soldier returning from the First World War. A new collaboration between The Hayloft Project and The Orchestra Project brings this classic work for actors, dancers and chamber orchestra to Melbourne audiences, with a new and fresh look incorporating dance, spoken word and some of Melbourne's most talented young performers. Adapted for anglophone audiences by Simon Stone, The Soldier's Tale aims to shock its audience, giving them an insight into the difficulty of returning to home, life and love after the horror of war. Unfortunately, the overzealousness of its cast to present this horror makes their characters often cold, stereotypical or emotionally disengaged for the audience. In particular, the early portrayal of The Soldier (incorporating almost every archetype of insanity that I could think of) is aggressive and unsympathetic. That said, David Whiteley's portrayal of The Devil (as a wonderfully upper class gentleman playing with the lives of men almost as a hobby) is incredibly evil, whilst maintaining a classy and elegant demeanour. Possibly the highlight of this piece was the music (as presumably it should have been). Stravinsky's melodic genius is in full swing here, with much virtuoso material on each instrument. Zoe Black's violin mastery carries much of the piece, except where it (along with the hauntingly beautiful bassoon part) is hidden by the trumpet, unfortunately placed to play directly towards the audience, drowning out musicians and speakers alike. Costuming, set and props were stunning, transporting the audience back into a 1918 inn almost seamlessly. The setting, the magical chapel of the Abbotsford Convent, has a wonderfully run-down and dark atmosphere that lends itself well to this kind of work. The only jarring thing about the look of the piece was the conductor, whose apparent lack of costume contrasted with the remainder of the performers, vocal and instrumental. Overall, The Hayloft Project's production of The Soldier's Tale is an aurally and visually stunning experience, showcasing the power and timeless beauty of Stravinsky's music in a modern setting and adaptation. While the sound balance and theatrical aspects of the piece may be jarring or unengaging for some viewers, the strength of Stravinsky's composition carries through, and makes this a thoroughly enjoyable classical concert, if not always an enjoyable piece of modern theatre. Wed - Fri, April 30 - May 10, Sacred Heart Chapel, Abbotsford Convent Melbourne