Catherine Bennett resumes the weekly look at the performing arts world, with the sad end of Jerusalem, the luck of a cabbie, and French revolt. Do you hear the people sing?
Adam Alcock reviews Nigel Kennedy playing Vivaldi's Four Seasons and his own Four Elements at York Opera House.
Catherine Bennett highlights the trends in the performing arts world today.
Jonathan Cridford reviews 'Ghosts', one of the Freshers' plays for this year.
Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell is, of course, a literary classic. When written in 1948, it prophesised a dystopian world; a world in which absolute dictatorship and totalitarian control prevailed to a chorus of devoted disciples ready to fight for the Oceania cause. But one lone man and his mistress break free of the thought shackles that have been enforced upon them and rail against the overarching control with horrifying consequences.
Brought to us by York Youth Theatre, this production of 1984 brings home some interesting concepts that now more than ever affect us and the society that we live in. Dealing with extremely complex issues and a highly regarded novel, this team put themselves in a precarious position when choosing Nick Lane’s adaptation as their script. In many respects, the production does the book justice and in others a disservice; some aspects are powerfully done whilst other key moments fade into the stony background like the subjugated populace of Orwell’s thought-provoking novel.
Some aspects are powerfully done whilst other key moments fade into the stony background like the subjugated populace of Orwell’s thought-provoking novel.
An aspect that certainly stood the test of replication was the outstanding set. With dreary grey walls, a balcony to separate ‘them’ from ‘us’ - in many differing ways - and large computer screens to broadcast the revered face of Big Brother, the production team pulled out all the stops in creating a necessarily emotionless atmosphere to complement the script. The sounds, which were appropriately edgy and disjointed, were more complex than I had originally anticipated.
Craig Vear, composer, decided to use one notable aspect of the book to produce an eerily apposite and evocative overall sound:
“I took Winston’s [protagonist] preoccupation with the nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’…all the music we hear is created from this nursery rhyme one way or another.”
Oliver O’Shea, playing Winston, prompted internal debate regarding his portrayal of the protagonist. He did not have any definable characteristics, which made his performance a little monotonous to view. However, this perception could for many enhance the tedious nature of the environment and promote empathy when the production draws to its horrifying conclusion. Sophie Ramm, playing Winston’s lover Julia, was an emotive and subtle actress, displaying skills far beyond her years.
The most notable performance however was from James Swanton playing Syme. This character was brought to life with a well-portrayed devotion alongside subtle eccentricities that sufficiently developed a broader picture of life in Oceania.
Some aspects, such as NewSpeak and the development of the character Charrington, were underplayed, much to the detriment of the production. To develop this theme and character further would have enhanced the restrictive aspect of the script and heightened the emotion when plot-twists came into play.
Despite reservations regarding some characterisation, the production was a masterful one overall. It encapsulated the major themes with some highly emotional moments and astute acting, especially in the second half. The set and sounds provided a certain eeriness and it is quite possible that you will leave thinking that Big Brother may just be watching you.
To get a ticket for tonight’s performance, please go to York Theatre Royal's official website.
To read the book review, please use this link.
Winston's character should be nondescript or even fakely cheery when under observation, but joyous and effusive when with julia.
“I took Winston’s [protagonist] preoccupation with the nursery rhyme ‘Oranges and Lemons’…all the music we hear is created from this nursery rhyme one way or another.”
I love this idea!
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