Written by Tom Stoppard
Directed by Aarne Neeme
Canberra Rep at Theatre 3
1 August to 16 August, 2014
Reviewed by Len Power 1 August 2014
‘Tom
Stoppard’s ‘Arcadia’ is considered by many to be his masterpiece. Set in two time periods – 1809 to 1812 and 1993
– in Sidley Park, a grand English country house in Derbyshire, we follow the
stories of the inhabitants from the earlier time period and the more recent group
of historical researchers and current owners.
As the play progresses, we are drawn into a world of ideas, history and
science, order and chaos. What seems
simple develops new and deeper meanings as the play progresses and we become
researchers ourselves, trying to stay one step ahead and interpreting the
action unfolding before us. Patterns
change, theories are exploded, discussions confuse and clarify. It might sound heavy going, but it’s
constantly entertaining and the character interaction is recognizable and very
funny.
Director,
Aarne Neeme’s production works superbly.
He has coaxed very strong characterizations from his cast and given the
show a tension and pace that ensures an audience doesn’t get lost as the wealth
of ideas tumble out.
The
large cast give uniformly excellent performances. Especially notable in the larger roles were
Pat Gallagher, Lainie Hart, Amelia Green, Matthew Barton and Sam Hannan-Morrow.
The
excellent off-stage piano playing by Michael F Coady is quite haunting. The lighting design by Chris Ellyard nicely
enhances the clever design of Quentin Mitchell’s deceptively bare set. Helen Drum’s costumes were detailed and
appropriate for both time periods.
This
is rightly known as one of the great plays of the 20th Century. Rep’s production definitely shows why.
Originally published
in Canberra City News digital edition 2 August 2014
