The reviewing life sometimes isn’t everything that it is made out to be. Yes there are the complimentary tickets, schmoozing on opening nights, season launches et al…The other side of the coin, however, is when, the day after, I turn on the computer, and start doing the write-up, and a struggle goes on. The show that I have seen hasn’t done much for me, and the words and thoughts just trickle out…Uninspiring stuff all round..
I am happy to report that there is no writer’s block in place as I sit down and type up this write-up of the Sydney Theatre Company’s new production at the Drama Theatre, Richard Cottrell’s revival of the great British playwright Tom Stoppard’s 1993 play ARCADIA.
First, let’s get the boring plot description/scenario out of the way …Everything takes place in the same room in the same house in Sidley Park in Derbyshire, England. There are two interweaving plots that are separated by some 180 years.
The first narrative takes place in 1809 and centers on 13-year old child genius Thomasina (Georgina Flood) and her womanising and biting tutor, Septimus (Ryan Corr).
The second storyline is set in 1993, which mostly centers on feminist historian Hannah (Andrea Demetriades) and her patronizing, arrogant fellow historian Bernard (Josh McConville), as well as descendants from Thomasina’s family line, who spend much of their time trying to interpret the theories espoused by the much earlier generation, and speculate on some of the mysteries/intrigues surrounding the lives that they lead.
Now to the best, most interesting part of any review, where one gets to put down one’s take on a show.
My take on ARCADIA is that this is one of those great shows that has most of the bases covered. so many bases. There are just so many ways in which one can enjoy and appreciate this show. Here are just a few from my list:-
One can get into the show by enjoying the intellectual banter that exchanged between the very heady characters- so many ideas are bandied around…scientific theories…philosophical treatise… Andrea Demetriades character Hannah sums it up when she asserts her belief that one’s humanity is defined by our restless curiousity about the universe- ‘it’s wanting to know that makes us matter.’ Stoppard’s characters are insatiably curious, and my God they can talk ….They say these days, with texting social networking, that the art of conversation is dying- hey, in the twentieth century having a good conversation was one of the things that people most look forward to doing…How times have changed! Plenty to reflect on…
Other ways in to appreciating this piece include- observing the various romantic manoeuvring that takes place between the opposite sexes with very different results, enjoying the literary detective story that takes place as the protagonist Benedict tries to pin a murder on the celebrated poet, Lord Byron, and appreciating Richard Cottrell’s exemplary production with the excellent work by his cast and very fine creative team, especially Michael Scott-Mitchell’s wonderful drawing room set and Julie Lynch’s gorgeous costume.
A last note…..the final scene where Stoppard masterly brings the two time periods together and two couples from the different time periods dance side by side…Exquisite!
In short, ARCADIA is a theatrical treat…a wonderful feast. Dine in at the Drama Theatre at the Sydney Opera House. Stoppard’s ARCADIA is playing until Saturday 2nd April.
http://www.sydneytheatre.com.au