Peter & Wendy (EIF)
September 7, 2009
Lyceum
2-5 Sep, times vary
Watching this adaptation of J.M.Barrie’s classic by New York company Mabou Mines, it seems curious that it has become a childrens’ favourite. Peter Pan brings images of swashbuckling or flying over the streets of London to mind: the Disney cartoons and Christmas pantomimes are probably to blame. But the story is - we find out here - a complex emotional tale concerning the rather more adult issues of early maturity, responsibility and innocence.
This production of Peter and Wendy - based on Barrie’s 1911 novel of the same name - has been in development for two decades. It is immediately clear that great time and thought has been spent in crafting a refreshingly simple and minimalist performance.
Although there are seven veiled puppeteers, a Celtic band of six and a Foley artist creating live sound effects, this is effectively a one woman show. Karen Kandel voices each of the myriad characters: effortlessly switching from the innocent Wendy with Marilyn Monroe vowels to a West Indian Smee and the received drawl of Captain Hook.
Julie Archer’s design seems very low budget, with creased bits of cloth forming the pirate ship. Yet it forces the audience to use their imagination, creating something far more visually captivating than the CGI projections used at a production of the story in Kensington Gardens earlier this summer.
By focussing on themes of parenthood, through the experiences of child-mother Wendy, a heart is revealed in the story; one far stronger than we ever find in the commercial adaptations that have thus-far dominated.
- Joseph Pike
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EIF: 14 August-6 September
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