by Lonnie the Theater Lady
Stage Warp Productions, partnering with the ACLU made the courageous decision to produce the Ian Wooldridge adaption of The George Orwell 1944 classic novel, “Animal Farm”. This allegory rich play highlights the dangers of communism, revolution, class divide, lust for power, propaganda and the use of religion to pacify the masses. All are chillingly close parallels to today’s political climate in the U.S.
Opening the play, Major (Andrew Nesky) gives a heartfelt, idealistic, dying speech in which he convinces the animals on Manor Farm that their lives would be so much better if they were to stage a revolution and overthrow the farm’s owner. Nesky delivers his speech so convincingly that I was ready to join the revolution along with the animals! They form their own governing body where “All animals are equal”. (Unfortunately, after the successful revolution, it is learned that, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal.”) The more unequal the animals become, the more the ruling pigs rewrite their story.
We don’t have to look outside the U.S. to see how politicians manipulate and rewrite the narrative. At the end of the play, Nesky as Mr. Pilkington, uses his character’s smarmy charm to hoodwink the pigs in power, to do his bidding. His smooth delivery of the character Pilkington could melt butter.
This frightening, topical, relevant political (not so funny) satire, leaves one with an unsettled feeling. It reminds us that those who control the narrative are the winners. Thus, it promotes dialogue, social discourse and potential change. And, after all, isn’t that the true measure of success in live theater?
Napoleon (Sam Lander), the new bovine leader of the animals transforms from a somewhat timid pig to a despot who lets others carry out the dirty work that he takes credit for. Landers clearly transforms in front of our eyes.
Squealer (Jess Uhler) relishes her role as the liaison between Napoleon and the other animals. She is convincing as she soothes, cajoles, manipulates and spreads propaganda to the other animals. Her performance is nuanced, effective and charismatic.
Moses/Minimus (Jason Burke) gives impressive performances in both of his small roles. His quiet vulnerability and sincerity are a pleasing foil to the boisterous hysterics of some of the other characters. He delivers with a calm dignity.
Overall, the large cast does a good job of appearing animal like. This is accomplished through the use of subtle costume features; wearing animal ears, pig snouts, etc. Their animal sounds and body movements were smooth enough so as to not distract and blatant enough to be convincing.
Kudos to co-directors Stephanie Swift and Caroline Lapinski.
“Animal Farm” runs through April 27, Stage Warp Productions, at Carnegie Stage.
