We're just back from watching The Crucible, presented by Gin and Vodka Productions at the Old Adelaide Gaol.
It was superb.
Kyle Kaczmarczyk, as John Proctor; Imogen Nicholas, as Abigail Williams; Dianne K Lang, as Elizabeth Proctorl and Rachel Burke, as Mary Williams, gave dynamite performances, supported by a mostly rock-solid cast who brought Miller's powerful script to life amidst the claustrophobic surrounds of Cell Block B in the old gaol.
Imogen, a dear friend of mine, was absolutely outstanding as Abigail - but as I said to her after the show, I would have come home raving even if she hadn't been playing the female lead; my fulsome praise is independent of our friendship. Having said that, though, one stand-out moment of the entire performance came early in the first act, when John and Abigail were left alone in a room with an unconscious girl (Betty); as though a switch were flicked, the mood instantly changed from one of tense activity to intimate sexual tension ... brilliant.
During interval, my husband - heroically braving the cool night in the midst of illness - mentioned a connection between the events depicted in the play and our world today. I agreed, making reference to the Director's Notes which invited audience members to ask how far they would go to protect their name; but he cited one particular and very pertinent example from current affairs - that of Kim Duthie, the schoolgirl involved in the St Kilda photos scandal. All the elements are there: mass hysteria, peer pressure, and (quoting the Director's Notes) "that unspoken streak in human nature that leads us to fend off danger to ourselves by pointing it at someone else" ... I'll leave that sentence hanging there, I think!
I think I heard the season's sold out, but if you can, get yourself some tix and get to this show.
You won't regret it.
No comments:
Post a Comment