Last night saw me back at the theatre to catch Tennessee
Williams’ play Sweet Bird of Youth at the Old Vic. Two things drew me to this production the
first being the play itself. I have the script from my A-Level English days so
was intrigued to see how it would manifest itself on the stage, and how my
interpretation and this production would differ. I also wanted to see what Kim Cattrall was
like when she’s not the firey Samantha Jones from Sex and the City. Although
her character arguably has many similarities with Samantha, both women
conscious of their age and the inevitability of aging: yet with such strong
characters (and spending most of the show in some state of undress).
The tensions and drama were so well presented, through the
staging, lighting and acting that made you
feel that the extortionate full price tickets are worth it (although luckily I
had got discounted tickets). The use of music was also very well done, with the
same haunting theme appearing at key moments, which gave me a shiver every time it reappeared. Although part of me thinks a really good play needs no set at all
(some of the best shows I’ve seen have been in the back of pubs with no scenary
at all) the set for this show was beautiful and I really liked how it all
changed to suit the different acts. Starting out as the hotel room, then
transforming into the house of Heavenly and her family, then into the hotel bar
and finally back to the hotel with incredibly smooth changes.
In the programme Kim Cattrall states that one of the key
things that drew her to the role was that the two main characters are equals
rather than the typical vulnerable female characters of other Tennesse Williams
plays. Usually it is the woman in
distress in his plays but here there is the “pairing of equal forces”. I also
liked this fact, Alexandra Del Lago really was a force to be reckoned with
despite her obvious vulnerability – and I think that’s what makes a great
woman, behind that vulnerability frequently still associated with woman there has to
be some real gumption (I love that word)
There are so many themes in this play; the passing of youth
and mourning lost fame being the main ones although other themes that add to
the power and impact of the play include segregation. There was an audible gasp and sense of
discomfort as the castration of a black youth was discussed – this only added
to the constant level of unease and brought you to the historical context of
the Southern States of the US in the 1950s. I felt on edge for most of the
show, so much so that I frequently jumped out of my skin (to the annoyance of
the person next to me).
It was interesting
that both the main characters, Chance Wayne and Alexandra Del Lago, are
suffering the same fear of aging yet there could easily be 30 years between
them. We know that Chance is 29 yet
Alexandra Del Lagos age remains a mystery; she is a jaded Hollywood star who is
facing up to the possibility that her career is over. It’s interesting as I’m 22, and the number of
my friends (including occasionally me) who are worrying about their age is
bordering on ridiculous as in the majority of peoples eyes we are still
incredibly young. There’s that constant
question of is age really just a number, and it is just how you feel?
The play could be considered a bit of a slow burner, it’s fairly
long. But I liked the way we gradually realise what is going on. Alexandra Del Lago wakes at the start in a
state of amnesia and we are also in this position, wondering what the situation
is, who is that man, where am I? We
gradually are able to piece together what takes place; with a sense of
foreboding aided by the haunting theme reappearing each time we learn something
new. When Alexandra and Chance sleep
together near the opening the lights dim and behind curtains we see the shadow
of another girl, giving a glimpse into the real reason Chance is here –
Heavenly. I found this moment really
powerful especially when at the end, Chance is left in the hotel as Alexandra
returns to her career and the shadow of Heavenly reappears, slowly replaced by
the men who are there to seek revenge on Chance. Makes me shiver just thinking
about that ending, the applause came too soon for my liking.
I watched an interview where Kim Cattrall mentioned the
similarities between Alexandra and Samantha, she said that she likes to play on
this and make it obvious to the audience.
Although I’m a big fan of Sex and the City I felt it was a shame she
felt this way, yes they are similar characters but surely the plays of Tennesse
Williams have more depth than a 20-minute episode of Sex and the City. But
that’s my only criticism, it was absolutely fantastic and the fact that Seth
Numrich is dangerously handsome was just the cherry on the cake.
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