Berkshire On Stage: It’s a lot easier to read Lord of the Flies than it is to see it acted out on stage. When you go, you will find moments of the current production so realistic and horrifying that you may have to resist the urge to flee. Having such a visceral reaction to a play is not a common complaint. It proves the staging of this classic book has done its job, it is simply brilliant. If you have not read the book, be prepared to have your expectations for a fun evening of theatre turned upside down during the course of this two part-two hour play.
4 comments:
I would love to see this production. Although the author of the article makes the play seem utterly terrifying at first, I think it also seems to have a lot of potential. Just because a piece of theatre scares its audiences does not mean it is a failed production, in fact, I think it could mean the polar opposite. Lord of the Flies is a sad and disturbing book in itself, and I could certainly imagine how it would translate into an even more terrifying story onstage, which is cool, exciting, and somewhat even expected. The sound design of this production is also spectacular. I listened to some of the soundtrack, and could actually picture the scenes playing out just by listening to the sound design. I wonder how readers of the book would react if the soundtrack of the Barrington's production was played while they were reading the book. I think readers' experiences would be enhanced by listening along to this soundtrack.
This book is one of my favorites from childhood and I think it would be great to see it staged, (First thought at the 1st picture was Into the Woods, what?). I like how the author breaks it down into the 'real life' aspects of the book, by commenting on the acting. One of the things I had always liked best about the book, was that it so accurately portrayed the fragility of human nature, and its inevitable regression. Though I disagree with the author's brushing aside of those sound designers who make a '...couple of phones ringing or music to set the mood' it was a happy surprise to see that Anthony Mattana is the sound designer. Listening to just a few of his tracks were spectacular, but I wasn't surprised. Most people in theatre know that a great sound design could make or break your show. I wish that it was closer so I could go see it.
The book deals with a lot of violence and killing which can be frightening even when jus read, but to see it acted out on stage it would be a fantastic and terrifying experience. If you look at the pictures of the boys backward you can see the evolution of what comes to past in the book. I think the deconstructions of the costumes is a great and insightful way to see the destruction of the character's humanity. I would really love a change to go and see this classic come to life.
I would love to have seen this production of the show. I actually had no idea that a stage version of the book existed. I was surprised with the quality and thoroughness of this review, specifically the amount of attention it paid to the sound. Like Sonia, I do disagree with the authors opinion of some sound designs that are quite minimalist, but am happy that the sound design of the show received so much attention. Most people in theater recognize the importance of it, but the general public has been a bit slower to catch on. I think the book can make for a wonderfully stylistic show, and would love for the opportunity to work on it.
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