Represent Review: Triptych @ the Market
Thanks to Debs our resident Represent theatre guru for her time and words: A triptych (pronounced “trip-tick) is a work of art (usually a panel painting) which is divided into three sections. The central panel is the most important one, and this is flanked on either side by two lesser but related paintings. The whole is intended to be greater than the sum of the parts. Wikipedia
This aptly named play is currently showing at the Market Theatre. It is a play about three women: a wife, a daughter and a mistress. Each is in love with the same man: the husband, father and lover. To continue the theme, I suppose that it is appropriate that I should be in ‘three minds’ about the play. Let me break it down…
Edna O’Brien’s writing is clever, funny; ironic and heartbreaking. This makes for a very solid script and foundation for the show, giving the play a wonderful balance of laughs and tragedy.
The design, both for production (Nadya Cohen) and costume (Margo Fleisch), is innovative and interesting, yet functional.The configuration of the performance space, a passage with audience on either side, creates the illusion of constant transition and passing of time. The costumes have been carefully selected to give an insight into the characters through their individual style of dress.
The star of the show, and the main character/central panel, is brilliantly portrayed by Terry Norton. She is captivating. She has a very light touch, allowing us the luxury of choosing how we feel about her character. She doesn’t ever seem to say ‘watch this part, this is really sad!!!’ or ‘This is very funny’. She just flows between the two with ease and we flow with her. Her co-star is the incomparable Dorothy Ann Gould; she plays the other woman – magnetic, skilful and powerful. She speaks volumes with her silence. It must be a real privilege to share the stage with these great actresses, but this is a double edged sword, it only serves to highlight ones inexperience and limitation. Cody Caprari is the 16 year old actress who plays the daughter; it’s a good try but she still has a long way to go.
All the ingredients are there, I’m just not absolutely sure the batter has been fully blended. Perhaps the show needs to run in a little more or perhaps the Director has taken the cake out of the oven a little early.
That said; the play has been playing on my mind since. I’m glad I saw it, catch it if you can.
TRIPTYCH
6 April – 6 May 2007
Market Theatre – Barney Simon Theatre
www.markettheatre.co.za/
Thanks to Debs our resident Represent theatre guru for her time and words: WikipediaThis aptly named play is currently showing at the Market Theatre. It is a play about three women: a wife, a daughter and a mistress. Each is in love with the same man: the husband, father and lover. To continue the theme, I suppose that it is appropriate that I should be in ‘three minds’ about the play. Let me break it down…Edna O’Brien’s writing is clever, funny; ironic and heartbreaking. This makes for a very solid script and foundation for the show, giving the play a wonderful balance of laughs and tragedy.The design, both for production (Nadya Cohen) and costume (Margo Fleisch), is innovative and interesting, yet functional.
