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| Photo: Open Air Theatre |
Directed by Timothy Sheader's, this stage adaption of Lord of the Flies is not only impeccably choreographed but also visually stunning.
Based on William Golding's novel from 1954, Lord of the Flies tells the tale of a group of young boys stranded on a deserted island after their plane was shot down. They soon conspire to survive and how to get rescued. With conflicting views on what's the best way to act, the boys soon find themselves in two competing teams. The story gives a frightful insight into human nature at its most primary.
Cleverly staged at Regents Park Open Air theatre, the nature together with the life size broken down plane gives the play an authentic set and ambiance (even the socks hanging from the trees are brilliant). It's in fact so engaging that 40 minutes into the show, one was tempted to jump up and down and join the boys in shouting: "Kill the pig! Spill its' blood!"
The appreciation of the natural surroundings however gradually fades away as the cold of London evenings grows more and more vivid. The audience neither felt any warmer from seeing the cast run around practically naked during the entire second (bless those boys).
Besides the marvelous stage set, the storytelling and choreography is equally as impressive. The use of well choreographed slow motion and standstill (the latter to tell the two team's stories simultaneously), gives the storytelling a twist and, not to mention, a joy to watch. All of which balances out the mediocre acting from the teenage actors.
However the question of time and historical correctness still remains. While the dialogue is neatly modernised, the laptop on the beach and talk of "the war" leaves us wondering whether the show's a modern take on World War II, referencing to Afghanistan/Iran, or if the laptop was simply misplaced.
Lord of the Flies (2010) Nigel Williams, Open Air Theatre, London
(Performance: 07/06/11)
Tiffany
4 comments:
This is like reading in a magazine xD That's a compliment :P
It's ironic cause I know exactly what the book is about, but I've neither read it nor seen an adaption somewhere. Which is bad cause I think I'd really like the book...
Elin dear, you're too nice but this is far from "magazine-style". But I was oh-so-glad reading your comment. :D:D
Right! I'd never read the book either and it's just one of those books you ought to have read. So when they were performing it in London, I was like what the hey it's almost liek reading the book. XD
I think the final parapgraph sounds a lot like something that could have been printed in some magazine... :P
I'm confused with your last comment... Did you read the book or not before going?
Haha, no. I meant to say that Lord of the flies is a book you should read (should've read) but since I haven't, I thought seeing the play would make up for it. :P
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