Theatre Royal York – until 10th 2019
Reviewed by Sally Richmond
5*****
The Heart of Darkness is presented in a unique and unusual way – in that the audience is given an insight as to how the play is going to be put together as we are exposed to something that isn’t quite finished, as the cast openly discuss the problems posed with Conrad’s novella. The scenes are wonderfully crafted to a fascinating set design presentation which is practically bare, but with a few suspended screens where the action takes place.
The Heart of Darkness is often regarded as one of the greatest twentieth century stories in which the protagonist, Marlow, goes on a journey into the world of darkest Africa. However in this production Marlow goes to Europe, bringing the story up to date and of our time – where there has been a cataclysmic war and the West is literally at breaking point. Another twist is that Charles Marlow becomes Charlotte Marlow and it works well!
The brilliant cast is made up of five and the central character, Keicha Greenidge as Marlow, is outstanding as she takes total control and command of the stage, alongside her is the brilliant Matt Prendergast (as Beresdorf her driver and later Kurtz himself). Supporting various roles are Morgan Bailey, Laura Atherton and Morven Macbeth – who bring authentic and purposeful portrayals of various characters.
Director Andrew Quick is quoted as saying: “Maybe we have exhausted our white, male hero. Maybe there’s not a lot left to say about that, and maybe it’s much more interesting to rethink them, re-imagine them and then see what the consequence is”. He achieves this by using live technology, an amazing young cast and a fusion of live performance with recorded historical footage.
The Heart of Darkness is thought provoking, ambitious and bold – it leaves you thinking and wanting more.