through October 21, 2012
by Jennifer Curran
Somewhere between the drum beats, the savagery and the
lost innocence lives a world of desperation and the desire to hold onto what is
precious. William Golding's classic and controversial "Lord of the
Flies" has been daringly adapted by Nigel Williams and brought to life
with a raging and brutal blast at Barrington Stage.
As in the novel, a plane that was to deliver a group of
British schoolboys to safety away from the war (likely WWII) ravaging Great
Britain crashes into a deserted island.
What at first seems like a vacation in the land of plenty to the
survivors quickly turns as the boys split into factions of savagery versus
civility. As the boys' fears grow, they become certain that somewhere in the
heart of the forest lives a beast ready to devour each of them.
In a unified vision, the direction (Giovanna Sardelli),
lights (Scott Pinkney), scenic design (David M. Barber), sound and haunting
music (both by Anthony Mattana), Barrington Stage has brought to New England something
far beyond expectation. In a bold and brave production, audiences watch as
young boys slowly and violently beat back the beast, spill the blood and kill
the pig.
John Evans Reese as Jack Merridew delivers the sort of
antagonist you love and hate at the same time. Pitted against Jack is Ralph
(Richard Dent); the reluctant leader who questions his ability and desire to
lead. Dent's ability to take us from an innocent boyish romp on a lost beach to
murderous stomps and then utter desolation is a performance audience members
will likely not forget. As Jack and Ralph take sides, there in the midst of it
all is the sacrificial lamb, Piggy (Matthew Minor). Minor's Piggy is endearing
and thoroughly engaging. It is Simon (Chris Dwan), however, in a moment of
prophetic truth that is able to see who they have become and the treacherous path
they follow. "Maybe there isn't a beast. Maybe it's only us."
