Crucible Theatre, Sheffield – until 26th February 2022
Reviewed by Dawn Smallwood
4****
To coincide with the Crucible’s 50th anniversary Sheffield Theatres is hosting Leo Tolstoy’s Anna Karenina which is adapted by Helen Edmundson and directed by Anthony Law. This fresh modern interpretation of this classic gives one an opportunity to appreciate the character of Anna (Adelle Leoncé) and redefine what love really means amidst the societal expectations including class, duty, and gender roles at the time when the story was first written.
The staging is stripped bare which totally focuses on the individual characters, and this certainly works well with the production. Levin (Douggie McMeekin) also acts the narrator and confidante to Anna (Leoncé) throughout the production; from when she met Count Vronsky (Chris Jenks) for the first time to undeciding of her fate of the consequences.
The story does not focus on Anna exclusively it also focuses on the lives of Levin and Kitty (Tara Tijani) and their perspectives on life and love and the troubled marriage between Stiva (Solomon Israel) and Dolly (Isis Davis). The main theme is love however there is emphasis on forgiveness and happiness, explored among the characters and relationships. Tolstoy could be highlighting the importance of pleasing the inner self and following the heart rather than how money and power one has and exclusively focus on façade appearances in the line of duty and tradition.
There are plenty of modern touches particularly with the costumes and props and this production is uniquely diverse and inclusive. However, the adaptation sticks to the original text, and nothing is compromised. This production is certainly equipped for a 21st Century audience and how the themes that are explored are relatable to everyone today.
Excellent performance from Leoncé who portrays Anna whose strength and determination are combined with fragility vulnerability. Along with desire and passion, these are shown simultaneously from the character and the variety of emotions that is brought from such complex circumstances at the time. She is supported by Jenks who plays Count Vronsky who is the typical lover which only for his responsibility of the relationship to be questioned.
Though tragic in nature, the production brings comedic and characteristic touches particularly from Israel as Stiva and from the company themselves. This is a production with a thorough modern take on the 19th Century establishment which the society in Tolstoy’s time participated in.
The staging works so well with the lighting, effects, and soundscapes which creates the appropriate ambience and atmosphere for the production. This is courtesy of Georgia Lowe, Jack Knowles, and Alexandra Faye Braithwaite.
An excellent production of a timeless classic with a modern adaptation for a 21st Century audience.