Anna Karenina

 

Anna Karenina – adapted by Helen Edmundson from the novel by Leo Tolstoy

Anna begins the play as the wife of the fastidious Karenin. the fastidious Karenin, Anna revolts against her marital arrangement when she meets the charming officer Vronsky. Within the play there are further love affairs Anna's philandering brother and the on-off courtship between Kitty, Anna’s daughter, and Levin a landowner. The first spoken words of the play are between anna and Levin – she murmurs “This is my story” whilst he replies, “It seems to be mine too”.  Their exchanges of confidences are dispersed throughout the story.  The contrast is shown between Anna’s character gradually disintegrating whilst Levin seems to mature.

A welcoming theatre and personnel. The tiered seating gives everyone a good view of the action.  The tri-fold programme is clearly laid out and an enjoyable read.  Good promotion of the society and future productions.  The new NODA branding in evidence.

The scenery was so well crafted with pillars and drapes strategically placed giving multiple entrances.  Props were minimal and frequently changes of scene were determined by the positioning of a chair.  The lighting, as always, was effective and evocative.  In particular the lighting of the ‘portrait’ worked extremely well.  Sound cues and effects were efficient and appropriate.  Beautiful late 19th century costumes were well designed and worn.  Hair and wigs were well dressed. 

This play was extremely well directed.  Diane Robinson certainly got the best out of her cast with her well-thought through moves and actions.  There was excellent use of choreography, designed by Jasmine Crawford (also the muffled figure/Death).  The chorus of scythes was particularly expressive.  All the actors had been so well cast and they undertook their roles so professionally that I am loathe to comment on everyone.  The interaction of all the characters was excellent and the change of emotion was particularly effective amongst the cast both in body language and tone of voice.  Amelia Leigh as Anna must be congratulated on maintaining her character with finesse throughout – a significant contrast to Dan Dryer who was superb in the role of the less gentrified landowner. To quote the director “Thank you ,,,,, for being such an imaginative and talented force”.

Thank you for a most thought provoking but stimulating performance.

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