Mon 5 Mar
words: RACHEL WILLIAMS
★★★☆☆
A Provincial Life sees the return of National Theatre Wales for their latest round of productions. Staged in the newly refurbished Sherman Cymru, it is written and directed by acclaimed director Peter Gill, who returns to his native city after a glittering career spanning half a century.
Originally adapted from Chekhov’s short story My Life in 1966, it brings with it a timely poignancy, resonating with much of the audience, as today many struggle with the financial consequences of social mobility, and the continuing search for equality. Following Misail we watch as a young man struggles to reconcile his position of privilege with that of the working life in 1890’s Russia – a time when social conventions were under scrutiny and political ideals developing under the Marx brothers. Misail’s eventually shuns his status and inheritance to take up a workman’s life, only to regain some social standing in his marriage to Maria. His hopes of success in their venture are later dashed when she realises their failure and deserts him and the estate.
Much of Chekhov’s work is a careful weave of tragedy and comic genius, and A Provincial Life capture’s this mix eloquently, as Ivan (John Paul-Macleod) provides humorous interludes against the expansive emotional ponderings and familial arguments. It is Boris (Lee Haven-Jones) the flighty, loveable, forever on the move, yet responsible doctor who provides the debating table for Misail’s reckonings. The strong cast adds a Welsh flavour as the Chekhovian wit fits the stronger accents like a glove.
Set against a stark backdrop of wooden boards the props are a fabulous, lavish mix of period furniture and intricate fixtures. There is a seamlessness between scene changes as the costumed ensemble act as stage hands. Which, in some ways, gives their portrayal of the lower classes an extra dimension and clarity.
At almost 3 hours, the production did feel over-long; particularly for a short-story adaptation. There were moments where the piece slows to give the audience a chance to digest and ponder the ideas and character’s lives in front of them; stretching the emotional connections the audience has gained a little too far.
Chekhov’s My Life has Misail as the narrator, whereas A Provincial Life has him as the protagonist. At the finale, the format shifts and he takes up that role, standing alone and bereft in the final scene to recount the death of his sister – the price she pays for flouting conventions – and the ideal’s he has come to terms with. The shift in theatrical device is a little disorientating, having been given Misail as hero and idealist until that point. In saying that, the finale is emotional and heart rending; a testament to the convincing and compelling skills of the whole NTW team.
A Provincial Life continues at Sherman Cymru until Sat 17 Mar. Tickets: £15-£25. Info: 029 2064 6900 / www.shermancymru.co.uk