Animal Farm by George Orwell - ★★★★☆
George Orwell’s Animal Farm has been described as “probably the most popular and influential piece of literary propaganda produced in English, perhaps in any language, in [the 20th] century.” Adapting this story was never going to be an easy feat, but Tatty Hennessy’s adaptation, directed by Amy Leach, takes on this challenge with finesse and flair. Explosive, dark, and visceral, Hennessy’s take on the classic British novella is the perfect adaptation.
The story of Animal Farm is one that can be summarised by the saying, “power corrupts, but absolute power corrupts absolutely.” George Orwell’s political satire takes place on a farm where the ominous Farmer Jones (Kaya Ulasli) abuses his animals, subjecting them to constant labour in poor conditions, separating them from their young, and keeping them under constant subjugation. Inspired by martyr Old Major (Everal A Walsh), a pig who dreamed of a better life for him and his fellow animals, they stage a revolt and overthrow their human masters, making way for the “Animal Farm,” a place where anything that walks on two legs is an enemy, and anything with four legs (or wings) is a friend. Led by Snowball (Robin Morrissey) and Napoleon (Tachia Newall), equally passionate but gradually becoming opposite sides of the same coin, the animals try to create a liberated life where they are masters over themselves. But every utopia has its breaking point, and eventually, the animals learn that “all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.”
Hennessy’s Animal Farm begins with the haunting melody that soon becomes the anthem of the Animal Farm. We watch as a mother pig is viciously torn from all but one of her newborns before we are welcomed into Manor Farm. The cast dons overalls and workman clothes fitting the industrial feel of the stage, with their names and species written on their bodies. Split into a clear “upstairs/downstairs” divide, the animals live in cages and are whipped into submission by Jones, who watches over them from above. The cast plays the animals as human beings, with occasional animalistic quirks incorporated into their movements, which works well to highlight the satirical message Orwell was originally trying to convey.
As an ensemble, the cast moves in synchronicity, their bodies displaying strength, agility, and fluidity under the direction of Kane Husbands. Individually, they embody not only the essence of the animals they are playing but also their distinctive personalities. Joshua Alexander as the loyal but easily duped Blue is earnest and constantly energetic, Brydie Service’s Clara is maternal and fiercely protective, while Tom Simper’s depiction of the rise of Squealer is menacing. The entire cast delivers outstanding performances, with each actor truly giving their characters heart and impressive physicality, making it difficult to spotlight a single performance. However, Tianah Hodding as Clover, the gentle-hearted but strong-spirited horse who believed so deeply in the vision of Animal Farm it blinded her to its reality, was truly a standout. Her ability to maintain the character’s passion, while the events of the story take their toll, is incredible, and by the end, her defeat is heartbreaking.
Jai Morjaria’s lighting design, Khalil Madovi’s sound, and Hayley Grindle’s set and costume merge to create an atmosphere that is almost apocalyptic and deeply intense. There are moments where a stream of blood cuts through the middle of a dimly lit stage as animals are dragged behind scaffolding, and only their shadows remain. There are also moments where the animals, in immaculately choreographed battle scenes and futuristic soundscapes, fight for their freedom. It is truly an experience.
Animal Farm is quite heavy throughout, with very few moments of respite. Em Prendergast doubles as a gossipy sparrow whose quirky narration does, at times, cut through the tension. There are also some tender moments, such as Napoleon and Snowball’s embrace after defeating the humans, as well as Clover’s relationship with most of her fellow comrades. These do little to actually balance the dark nature of the play but are pleasant touches to what is quite an intense experience.
Hennessy and Leach’s Animal Farm is simply brilliant. While the story was written in response to Soviet communism and is very much of its time, this adaptation feels as though it is a message for the contemporary world about the dangers of groupthink and the concentration of power in the hands of any small elite. It manages to be modern and abstract, yet still feels very real. While true to the source material, Hennessy’s vision speaks for itself in a truly original, innovative, and striking rendition of a story.
By Melody Adebisi
★★★★☆