| amateur theatre | reviews list | |
| Staging the Madness | |
One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest |
[print] |
The Nomadic Players |
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Morlan Centre Aberystwyth |
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January 20, 2013 |
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This adaptation of the Ken Kesey novel by Dale Wasserman crackles with controversy, and though unsuccessful during its first run in 1963, became popular enough to inspire the multi-award-winning film of 1975. This monster project was a brave undertaking by The Nomadic Players, not only in attempting to revive the drama, but also to make their own mark upon it. Rich Kee and Hannah Denton are the director-performers who have worked tirelessly since October to produce vivid and lasting imaginings of the complex and diverse collection of characters. The play is performed in the round, with the audience raised slightly above the actors, and invited to observe them on entering the room. This staging decision makes the manipulation and humiliation of the characters more apparent, strengthening our helpless desperation as observers to help the inmates of the mental asylum. Unfortunately it also means that some of the action and facial expressions are missed, particularly during the card playing scenes. The ensemble work at the beginning of both acts and during the party scene is both ambitious and highly skilled, grabbing our attention instantly and providing violent images of madness of the mind and of society. It is apparent during the first few moments that the Nomads are a high energy, focused, dedicated group, who think deeply about the characters they are bringing to life. Daniel Radbourne as Randle McMurphy smoulders with aggression; the audience watches with bated breath, never quite knowing what he will do next. Though some lines are occasionally missed this is a provocative and beautiful portrayal of the character. Also notable is Dale Harding (Samuel Harris) who, though heartrending during spoken lines, is possibly at his best when reacting to the other characters; he is both entertaining and believable throughout. Billy Bibbit (Jacob Dawson) and Candy Starr (Rebekah Drake) are both loveable and charmingly naïve, making their vulnerability to ice-cold Nurse Ratched (Leah Carroll) more apparent. Banayodis Vanezi as Martini is nothing short of hilarious, and it is all the more bittersweet to think that this caring, cheery inmate lives under the cruel thumb of the institutions. The transition of Charles Cheswick (Rich Kee) from lively and innocent to damaged and violent is handled with both power and sensitivity, and Chief Bromden (Jack Nisbett) is particularly emotionally striking in his final scene. However, two characters who really stand out, though they may have less to say, are Scanlon (Daniel Abbott) and Colonel Matterson (Robertas Turauskas). These are two actors with excellent stage presence who retain consistency and focus for the duration of the play. This work of the Nomads is very emotionally moving, and I have only mentioned a few memorable aspects of the performance. A possible criticism is difficulty in hearing and seeing everything that happens, leading to loss of important moments. This may be due to an unexpectedly large audience, despite the snow. The music also, though appropriate, is occasionally at too high a level for the dialogue to be heard. That said; the complex story is made easy to follow, thanks to skilled character portrayals that leave a lasting imprint on the minds of the audience long after the performance is over. A heavy task well-handled on the part of the cast! |
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| Anna Sherratt | |
| This review has been read 2977 times |
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