Adaptation from Ken Kesey's novel by Dale Wasserman
Directed by Tom O'Neill
The Acting Company in association with Shadowhouse Pits
The Courtyard Studio, Canberra Theatre Centre
March 18 - 29, 2014
Review by Len Power 18 March 2014
It
seems everyone knows the 1975 film of Ken Kesey’s novel, ‘One Flew Over The
Cuckoo’s Nest’ with its memorable performance in the central role of Randle P.
McMurphy by Jack Nicholson. As a result,
any actor playing this role now faces the challenge of comparison with that
film performance. The performance of
Louise Fletcher as the formidable Nurse Ratched is also etched indelibly in
people’s minds from the film version.
Based
on the 1962 novel, the play adaptation by Dale Wasserman was produced on
Broadway in 1963 with Kirk Douglas in the leading role. An exploration of individualism and rebellion
against conformity, its setting amongst inmates in the type of psychiatric
institution hopefully long gone was inspired, creating an opportunity for
strong, involving and ultimately chilling drama.
The
rather clichéd characters of the inmates at the beginning of the play was a
concern but the actors in this production were able to show more depth and
sustain their characterisations as the play progressed. Well cast physically, Ben Drysdale, in the
challenging role of Randle P. McMurphy, gave a strong performance that could
have done with more light and shade in his vocal delivery in the first half,
but which was highly effective after interval as the drama deepened. barb barnett as the formidable Nurse Ratched
played the role with a quiet intensity but her energy levels and voice volume
wavered here and there.
Amongst
the inmates, Paul Robertson was outstanding as Chief Bromden, and Joshua Bell
as the sad Billy Bibbit was very moving.
Actually, in this large cast, every actor was well-chosen and gave
strong, committed performances.
The
set design by Charlotte Stewart effectively evoked a psychiatric institution of
the time that lacked any human touches for the inmates. The lighting design by Michael Richards
complemented the action as did the sound design by Evan Croker and the costumes
by Kaila Smith were suitably dowdy and looked well-lived in. The live music accompaniment by
composer/pianist, Steven Bailey, was an excellent idea and added much to the
atmosphere.
Director,
Tom O’Neill, has produced a thoughtful, well-staged production of this now
classic story. His good work on
characterisations becomes clear as the play progresses. The second half is particularly involving. You come out of this play thinking, ‘Surely
this kind of thing can’t happen today?’ And,
unsettlingly, you know deep down that it can.
Originally broadcast on Artsound
FM 92.7 ‘Dress Circle’ program on Sunday 21 March 2014.
