Black Cat Theatre. The Kings Hotel. 24 Feb 2015
Black Cat Theatre - an ensemble of students and young adults - doesn't think theatre in Adelaide is highbrow enough and thus have dedicated themselves to the noble cause of putting the classics on stage. I had a crack at reading Franz Kafka's pre-WWI novel, 'The Trial,' but dropped it before the end, having found it a bit turgid. I didn't feel that bad because Kafka didn't finish writing it. In fact, he never finished any of his novels, so there.
So I have great admiration for Hugh Scobie for writing an adaptation of an incomplete novel and resuscitating it in this world premiere production. And for Veronica Jefferis for her evocative and thematic illustration.
In 'The Trial,' we witness Joseph K's bewilderment as he is arrested for a never-specified crime and confronts bureaucracy, idiocy and indifference as he navigates a labyrinth court and justice system that doesn't make any sense. Almost any lay person caught up in the courts would immediately sympathise with K. But the play operates on many levels through its use of court metaphors for other meanings, and the fear and anxiety created by the sinister authoritarian regime behind the whole thing.
Scobie's adaptation is pretty good. He focuses more on the absurd and less on the sinister and violent elements of the text, yet makes K's frustrations palpable and accessible. Scobie himself plays Joseph K, looking a little bizarre with his Rastafarian hair bundled up back of his head. No sacrifice should be too great for theatre, Hugh. The remaining cast of five take on the major roles of the novel with Adam Bates adding interest to his Examining Magistrate by channeling Johnny Depp as Captain Jack Sparrow. The short play includes a long interval that was in fact longer than the second act. And it's the first time I've seen a play without any actors.
David Grybowski
When: 24 Feb to 5 Mar
Where: The Kings Hotel
Bookings: adelaidefringe.com.au
