Sweat-shop workers become the focus in an animal-less Animal Farm
Neville studio was the location of a rebellion on Saturday night – the production of George Orwell's social commentary Animal Farm.
The intimate surroundings heightened the charged atmosphere as the audience was introduced to the characters who would bear witness to a revolutionary change.
Whereas Orwell's Animal Farm is a reflection on the events in Russia at the turn of the twentieth century, the Playhouse Ensembles' production is set in a modern-day sweat shop. Though the characters are referred to as animals, there is not a tail nor feather in sight. This version attempts to reflect modern day branches of oppression, similar to which Orwell details as the exploitation of the working classes.
We are taken on a journey of suffering, struggle, hunger and hierarchy. The characters' plight against their draconian master explodes into revolution, fuelled by the traditional 'pig' instigators led by Old Major.
The victors take over their dwelling and attempt to create a new future shared by a newly empowered and educated community. This will be achieved by taking control of the means of production and redistributing their yield equally – the founding principle of Communism, or 'Animalism' in this case.
It becomes clear that the 'pigs', who instigated the revolution, are gradually taking liberties at the expense of the hard-working animals. They begin to alter its founding rules to suit their increasing appetite for the luxuries in which Men – the enemy – indulge.
The workers are subjected to acts of cruelty and terror in the name of 'Animalism'. These acts are examples of recent news stories, where those in authority have taken advantage of their trusted position for profit.
The set and costumes are simple, yet the atmosphere transforms with the presence and energy of the cast. The Playhouse Ensemble are an impressive bunch and totally dedicated to their roles. They are open to a diverse mix of ages and abilities - some members have mobility or emotional difficulties. The play was a testament to their acting skills, which were undeterred as they took on their roles with an unabated enthusiasm; and the play was undeniably richer for it.
This modern retake of Animal Farm is an admirable way of exploring similar social problems. The ambiguity, however, can be confusing - sweatshop versus farm are two very different settings, despite the link in context. References to animal productivity detract from this particular modern aspect, as you find yourself trying to recall who is who. Animal Farm, is, by definition, the setting – so attempting to view it from a different location can be hard to grasp.
Despite this inconsistency, the audience was left captivated as Neville studio hosted an impressive performance from an electric cast.
Animal Farm was at the Playhouse from Thursday 18 June to Saturday 20 June 2015.
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