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Rebecca
Presented by:
Nash Theatre
Venue:
Methyr Road Uniting
Church, New Farm, QLD
Reviewer: Kellie Scott
Date Reviewed: Saturday 7th November 2009
It was a long but worthy venture into a world of
complex relationships challenged by dramatic state of affairs with
Daphne du Mauier’s Rebecca.
Though scenes were cut and the cast was reduced, it
was still a lengthy unravelling of events. But, fortunately, a
worthwhile wait. An overall great articulation of the story smoothed
over the few moments I thought the actors might be out of their
depth with such intricate subject-matter.
Set it the 1950s in Cornwall, England, Maxim de
Winter returns home with his new wife to his estate, Manderley.
There are mixed reactions from those who keep the home and are
grieving the loss of the first Mrs. de Winter, Rebecca, who drowned
at sea one year ago. Mysterious circumstances surround her death.
Housekeeper Mrs. Danvers was devoted to Rebecca and struggles with
the new lady of the house. As the new Mrs. de Winter finds her feet
among the strange and cold atmosphere of the home, she becomes the
centre of conflict for the characters around her.
The strong cast provided intense performances to
convey this story’s multiple-layers. Paul Careless was a composed
and tricky Maxim de Winter. Gently he peeled back the layers of
mystery as the audience learnt about Manderley’s recent history. The
dark Mrs. Danvers, played by Sandra Harman, was delightfully
fearsome. Her gorgeous high-necked, floor-length, black gown was
striking and helped create her sinister persona. I believe Harman
would have really enjoyed playing this role. Paula Chiverall milked
Mrs. de Winter’s timidity and curiosity, and matured on stage from
the meek new-comer to a strong-willed woman who steps up to protect
her husband. Linda Morgan as Beatrice Lacy was a sharp-witted light
in the gloom, playing off her husband, played by John Ashton, with
dynamism.
A Low-budget production such as this often requires
the imaginations of those watching to fill in the gaps. The simple
but effective set let the mind's eye do the rest. Costumes were
great, and although Munro-Wallis mixed the time periods, they
successfully separated Mrs. Danvers and butler Frith from the other
characters, just as he intended.
The play is slow and tedious at times, but the
characters are wonderfully intriguing and this makes the passing
time a valuable theatre experience.
Rebecca
is showing until the 14th of November. Bookings on 3379
4775.
Kellie Scott reviews for her website
www.brisbanecritiques.com, which was launched in October of
2008. Her reviews can also sometimes be found at
www.absolutetheatre.com.au. Previously her critiques for music
and film have been published in The Catholic Leader and The
Satellite newspapers. She is currently studying Journalism at
university, and hopes to use this to develop her writing skills,
focusing on becoming a professional critic in the future. If you
would like to contact Kellie, please email
kellie@brisbanecritiques.com.
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