THREE SISTERS. To 13 May.
Tour
THREE SISTERS
by Anton Chekhov adapted by Mustapha Matura
Tour to 13 May 2006
Runs: 2h 30m, one interval
Review: Rod Dungate 28 February 2006 at Birmingham Rep
Moving, refreshing – we learn something new.
To move from the rain and cold of Russia to the oppressive heat of Trinidad may seem a big leap – to say nothing of rewriting those opening lines ‘It’s exactly a year ago that father died. A year ago today . . . . It was very cold, we had snow.’ But this is the wrong way to think about this multi-partnered production. The question is Does it enlighten us? Or rather Are we changed by it?
There’s no doubt about it . . . we are moved, we are changed. We learn more about ourselves by learning about others. And the sadness of the three sisters, eventually unable to break free, is as real to us whether the women are white and Russian or black and Trinidadian.
This production, like any other, must stand or fall according to the performances of the sisters themselves. This production is well served indeed. The eldest, Alma, Brigid Zengeni, is centred, a calm influence within the family, she bears her own sadness with quiet, generous, and uncomplaining dignity. Helen, the middle sister, Nicola Alexis – she is sexual and sensuous but this is marvellously understated – as if her true vigorous nature has been put to sleep by her load, oafish and comic husband (Andrew Dennis). Then there’s Audrey, the youngest, (Lorraine Burroughs); she is delightfully, youthfully vivacious – and the dashing of her hopes for a new life truly moving.
Director Paulette Randall has created a gentle and graceful production, one that implies the deep passions that rise and fall beneath the surface. There are some fine comic touches too. A refreshing, unusual and enlightening look at one of Chekhov’s great plays.
Alma: Brigid Zengeni
Helen: Nicola Alexis
Audrey: Lorraine Burroughs
Scott: Ben Bennett
Jean: Tracey Saunders
Francis: Andrew Dennis
Lucas: Nathan Constance
Peter: Adrian Irvine
Richard: David Michaels
Director: Paulette Randall
Designer: Libby Watson
Lighting: James Farncombe
Sound: Dan Hoole
Voice and Accent Coach: Claudette Williams
Choreographer: Omar Okai
Assistant director: Hanneke Uvieghara
Assistant designer: Susannah Henry
2006-03-02 10:10:27