UK performer Guy Masterson is a staple of the Adelaide Fringe and Animal Farm is a staple of Guy Masterson’s solo-performance catalogue – alongside his one-man Under Milk Wood.
Seventeen years ago, Masterson adapted the play – from George Orwell’s classic novel; an allegory for the Russian Revolution and the Stalinist Era – and it, like the novel, is still a powerful piece.
Animal Farm tells the tale of the Manor Farm and the ignored and mistreated animals who, after being informed of a dream of revolution by Old Major, are moved to revolt. Over time, under the rule of Napoleon, the Berkshire Boar, the ideals of the revolution come to naught, returning the farm to a state of oppression.
On a stage, bare except for a bale of hay, we are introduced to the ‘cast’ of Animal Farm – all individually portrayed in vocal and physical detail. From the thundering power of Boxer the Clydesdale, to the more genteel Clover and the prancing mare, Molly – she with the ‘red ribbons in her mane’. Then there are the ruling pigs: stout, firm and oppressive Napoleon and the sly, manipulative – and aptly named – Squealer. There’s also, initially, the fair-handed pig, Snowball, who is ousted and whose memory is corrupted – much like the ‘Seven Commandments of Animalism’.
A highlight – one of many – is the loopy portrayal of the sheep. With crossed-eyes, flapping hands and a lolling tongue, Masterson portrays these moronic followers as the namesake for mindless servitude.
Central to the extension of this one-man piece into a theatre-filling experience is the lighting. The stage lights vary from tight spots to full stage, blindingly bright to dark and dim, from hot summer sun to freezing winter depths – and a lighting finale that has to be seen to be believed.
The soundtrack, too, is pivotal – from the moment you enter the theatre to the sounds of Pink Floyd’s Animals, to the collective animal sounds that enhance the stable’s environs and the none-to-subtle collection of modern political extracts. This soundscape flows from the speakers and washes over the audience – signifying the myriad animals and the atrocities of martial law.
Masterson gives his all – and it shows in the sweat-soaked coveralls he wears – as he moves, seamlessly, from character to character and creates a world populated with politically-motivated, driven and downtrodden animals of all shapes and sizes, great and small. Originally conceived as a two-act play, it has been condensed into 95-minutes – which fly like the old raven, Moses.
Whether you know the novel (or not), are a lover of Russian History or the political sciences (again, or not), or enjoy quality theatre at its best, don’t miss Animal Farm.
Rating: 5 stars out of 5
Animal Farm
Written by George Orwell
Adapted by Guy Masterson
Director: Tony Boncza
Producer: Theatre Tours International
Cast: Guy Masterson
The Main Theatre – Adelaide Centre for the Arts
23 – 24 February
Adelaide Fringe
www.adelaidefringe.com.au
15 February – 17 March
Additional dates:
Everest Theatre, The Seymour Centre, Sydney
26 – 27 February
