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Europe
is playing at the Oxford Playhouse from Wednesday October
22 to Saturday October 25.
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Student
drama directors all too often select repertoire from a very safe
list of well-worn classics. Either that or they perform self-indulgent
pieces of theatre with so many in-jokes that an audience is left
totally bemused.
I
was delighted to encounter a production of a contemporary play that
confounds these stereotypes.
Ilan
Goodman has made a brave choice in staging this challenging work.
It
is a sweeping epic tackling issues of global concern and features
a cast of the best actors from the current Oxford generation.
The
cast were totally committed and their physicality reflected their
response to events and the text.
It
seems unfair to single out individuals from such a strong ensemble
cast, but Colin Burnie gives an outstanding portrayal of a man resigned
to his fate yet content with his lot.
Polly
Findlay and Kate Fowler give performances full of passion and determination
as they struggle to escape the confines of their lives.
An
impressively imposing set created a very strong sense of location.
The lighting and sound effects used to indicate the passing of vast
express trains shook the theatre with an almost overwhelming power.
Mention
too must be made of the score by Kathryn Taylor - it was affecting
and involving without overpowering the action. I was particularly
impressed by the choral speaking which punctuated the action.
Overall,
it is an intelligent and thought-provoking play which the creative
team have tackled with great ambition and commitment.
On
the whole, they have succeeded in bringing a coherent vision to
the stage. I would encourage as many people as possible to support
their energy and enthusiasm and get along to the Playhouse this
week.
Review
by Simon Tavener
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