KING MATT.
Young People
KING MATT
by Janusz Korczak adapted by Stephen Greenhorn
TAG Theatre at bac To 15 June 2003
Runs 1hr 30min No interval
Review: Timothy Ramsden 15 June
Anarchy and responsibility in childhood examined.Scottish young people's company TAG revive their production at the London International Festival of Theatre (LIFT) 'Family Friendly' season. Following it is a piece about writer Janusz Korczak, who in this story expresses the value and difficulty of listening to children's voices.
Matt's 11 when his father dies and he takes the throne, surrounded by muttering ministers, decked out in funereal top-hats and pompous purple cravats, against which Matt's white shirt shines out resplendently. Defying the old officials' distrust, he declares war then makes for the trenches, disguised as a private soldier, along with his friend Felek, discovered while stealing apples from the royal orchard.
Touches of Henry V and Harry in the night here as fe3llow squaddies talk of King Matt, unaware he's among them. Trench-digging and suffering along with his soldiers makes Matt over-ride his Defence Minister's indecision and launch the final advance – as well as undertaking a perilous solo mission behind enemy lines.
But it's not all child-s-eye perspective. Matt's decision to give all children a pound of chocolate next week may be diluted on political advice by his own Sir Humphreys to a quarter pound in a month as a special treat, but it's no symbol of greater things. Matt's thinking at this level and his children's parliament falls chaotically apart. An attempt to let children do the work and make adults return to school brings chaos nationwide. The trains don't run on time – don't run at all. Meanwhile, Felek is overcome with self-grandeur.
The play ends on a knife-edge – or, literally, at gun-point. Just as Moscow Gold, Howard Brenton's play for the RSC about Mikhail Gorbachev, offered assassination or a happy old-age as possibilities for the former Soviet leader, so King Matt leaves its outcome open.
In a theatre there's not the same opportunity for discussion TAG's original schools' tour gave. Yet, by raising the issues in a wittily-staged, clearly acted production, the company earns its place in LIFT's programme with high quality theatre that speaks to young audiences without patronising them, and asks significant questions through action that excites and amuses as it questions.
Journalist/Minister/Old King/General: Callum Cuthbertson
Prince/Minister/doctor/General/Guard: Stephen Docherty
King Matt: Kevin Lennon
Felek/Minister/Poor King: Helen McAlpine
Bored King/Minister/Teacher/General: Jill Riddiford
Director: James Brining
Designer: Evelyn Barbour
Lighting: Fleur Woolford
Composer: David Young
Costumes: Liz Boulton
2003-06-10 01:29:48