Q Theatre. 5 March 2013.
Whatever goes upon two legs is an enemy; Whatever goes upon four legs, or has wings, is a friend; No animal shall wear clothes; No animal shall sleep in a bed; No animal shall drink alcohol; No animal shall kill any other animal; All animals are equal – these are the seven commandments of Animal Farm, and the structure around which George Orwell’s novel, and the successful adaptation by Shake and Stir Theatre Company, succinctly demonstrate the corruption of power.
Written during World War Two, Animal Farm was then a stern warning against the perceived dangers of socialism being spruiked in the USSR. By drawing parallels between the political dynamics of a group of farm animals and the atrocities of the Soviet Union, Orwell allegorically makes his case against this good in theory but notoriously brutal in practice form of economic and social organisation.
In short: the animals on Manor Farm are being grossly mistreated by its proprietor, Farmer Jones, until one day he goes too far and prompts the animals to plan a successful rebellion to drive him out and take over the farm. At first it seems to be the beginning of a utopia for the animals after winning their freedom. However, it soon turns into a soul crushing dictatorship, with the pigs conspiring to take control of the farm for their own benefit through the insidious use of propaganda.
From the opening scene, Shake and Stir Theatre’s version of this infamous story snatches your attention and keeps a firm grasp until the horrifying conclusion. Utilising visually intense shadow imagery, the pre-rebellion cruelty inflicted upon the pigs, later to become the villains of this piece, is demonstrated in the most raw and grisly manner, setting the context for what’s to come.
Weaved together through stirring intermittent narration and done at a cracking good pace, the skeleton cast of five is tasked with relaying this grim story through multiple roles. They nimbly maneuver between these within the rapid pace of the story and with committed physicality.
Each performer has relied predominately on the intricately adopted characteristics of the animals they represent, giving a more authentic sense of a chaotic barnyard without the cumbersome anonymity of costumes. The vocalizations too were impressive, tapping into an innate sense of compassion with every cluck, whinny and blood curdling squeal.
Bryan Probets is memorable as the impish and loathsome Squealer, and is particularly noteworthy for his characterization in the final disturbing scenes. Nick Skubij, as the self-serving tyrant of Animal Farm, is convincingly cold and cowardly, while Nelle Lee is beautifully endearing and funny as both the voice of reason in old mare Clover and the effervescent show horse Mollie, who decides the unglamorous working life is just not for her.
Ross Balbuziente, as the determined, endlessly loyal and comical workhorse Boxer, is strong both physically and in presence. Tim Dashwood provides much diversity with his minor roles alongside that of defeated Snowball and Bejamin the Donkey.
Within all the darkness in this story, the satire in Orwell’s writing is most definitely not lost, with an abundance of comic relief laced throughout the production to give reprieve from the disturbing reality. The lighting by Jason Glenwright and sound by Guy Webster serve to provide powerful cues of hope among the otherwise dreary conditions of everyday life at Animal Farm, while the versatility of the set keeps the movement dynamic and unpredictable.
The ghastly conclusion is unapologetic in its morbidity and pessimism, with no silver lining to be found and leaving one with a crushing sense of injustice and disbelief that lingers after the show. Shake and Stir’s Animal Farm is a highly visceral and vivid take on Orwell’s work, and one that’s tight enough to remain accessible despite the cynical content.
Deborah Hawke
When: Closed.
Where: 'The Q' - Queanbeyan Performing Arts Centre, Canberra.
Bookings: Closed.
