A Passage to India. To 4 December.
Nottingham/Tour
A PASSAGE TO INDIA
by E. M. Forster adapted by Martin Sherman
Nottingham Playhouse To 23 October then tour to 4 December 2004
Tue-Sat 7.45pm Mat 16 Oct 2.30pm
Audio-described 19,20 Oct
BSL Signed 22 Oct
Runs 2hr 45min One interval
TICKETS: 0115 9419419
www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Review: Jen Mitchell: 6th October 2004
Shared Experience's production explores the novel's essential themes, highlighting its duality.
Opening with a tiny paragraph from the end of E.M. Forster's novel, Martin Sherman's adaptation establishes its dichotomy from the outset. The paragraph tells of an ancient legend in Mau of the boy who freed prisoners and had his head cut off by their guards. The boy became a saint and had two temples erected to him one for his head and one for his body.
The story is relayed to us by the character of Professsor Godbole (Antony Bunsee),who acts as a narrator throughout, imparting wisdom both clarifying and unfamiliar.
The young Adela Quested travels to India to spend time with her intended, the Magistrate in Chandrapore. While there she desires to experience the real India and is encouraged in her wishes by Mrs Moore, the magistrate's mother (Susan Tracy, superb). The air of repression is tangible around Adela as she attempts to fit in at the club and please her fiancé whilst maintaining her independent streak.
The political tensions are stark and clearly defined, as in the novel. The treatment of the Indians at the hands of the British ranges from condescension to cruelty, with only the character Fielding able to bridge the gap between the two cultures. Even his uneasy friendship is unable to stand the test of time and the gulf between the two cultures.
The sexual tension is much less overt. The attraction Adela clearly feels for Dr. Aziz is at odds with what she believes to be the done thing and the brief sexual frisson between the two of them is suggested beautifully.
Adela's confusion at what she has experienced on a visit to the Marabar Caves is symbolic of the ambiguity of her character, as she faces a sexuality she otherwise safely suppresses.
A subtle adaptation, the sights and setting of Chandrapore are suggested, but the sounds are brought alive by an ensemble of very talented musicians on stage throughout, providing a musical backdrop.
Godbole: Antony Bunsee
Dr Aziz: Alex Caan
Turton/McBryde: Maxwell Hutcheon
Hamidullah: Ranjit Krishnamma
Mrs Turton/Miss Derek: Rina Mahoney
Rafi/Das: Chris Nayak
Fielding: William Osborne
Mahmoud Ali: Gary Pilai
Ronny/Ralph: Simon Scardifield
Mrs Moore: Susan Tracy
Adela Quested: Fenella Woolgar
Musicians: Sirishkumar and Chandru/Clive Bell
Director: Nancy Meckler
Designer: Niki Turner
Lighting: Chris Davey
Composer: Peter Salem
Movement: Liz Ranken
Indian Dance: Sowmya Gopalan
2004-10-13 10:30:29