Review by Charmaine Jones – Performance date: Tuesday 19 November 2024, Adelaide Festival Centre, SA
Written by Samuel Adamson and based on the novel by Australian author Peter Carey, ‘Jack Maggs’ is a play directed by Geordie Brookman and Annabelle Matheson, embracing the mission to deliver a provoking, and inspiring reflection, that deals with the human frailties of life.
Betrayal, greed, deception, the lack of equality and equity. And to the compromise of compassion and empathy …yet, how one committed, courageous action of love, can change the trajectory of our lives, forever.
The novel itself is described as a ‘pastiche take’ of the literary masterpiece, Great Expectations and also draws from the true life story of its celebrated author, whilst the playwright incorporates cheeky quotes in the script from your most loved Charles Dickens works.
This production by the State Theatre Company of South Australia, is an excellent representation of the depth of talent we have in this country and when it comes to delivering art in its various forms.
The cast were phenomenal and even played parts of the music composed for this production by local cellist and composer Hillary Kleinig. Piano, ukulele, snare drum and high hat were live on stage, and other haunting melodies and effects, came from a well executed sound design by Andrew Howard.
The old English language and Cockney vocalisation to match (thanks to accent coach Jennifer Innes), were audible and well understood by the audience, which was necessary to grasp the intricacies of the storyline.
The cast (Anuhim Abebe, Jacqy Phillips, James Smith, Jelena Nicadao, Rachel Burke, Nathan O’Keefe, Dale March) began on stage prior to ‘curtain up’, reminiscent of early theatre and its sense of psychodrama available to the audience prior to the main event.
It articulated a readiness for engagement that was not yet defined but held … pardon the pun, ‘great expectation’.
Not fanciful in design, the set possessed a vulgar beauty and cleverness. The costuming was equally complimentary as both were the vision of Ailsa Patterson. The England of old was depicted in textures, colours, fabrics and patterns that were purposefully chosen to depict the subtext of the tale; the choices within poverty and power, wisdom and wealth.
Soft and effective lighting by Nigel Levings, created drama and mood, adding to the audiences emotional response at bows.
I must not share any more of the actual story, for it will surely ruin the subsequent journey of the watcher, through the twists and turns and unfolding mystery behind the intriguing character of Jack Maggs, played strongly by Mark Saturno.
A wonderful night at the Playhouse, making our ‘Patron of the Arts’, Don Dunstan, proud.
All Production Images Credit: Matt Byrne
