Visually the play was very well put together, with clear attention to creating an authentic atmosphere within the cramped space the venue afforded. However, vocal characterization was a key fault in the production. Accents wandered back and forth across the Atlantic with an inconsistency that undermined the lines being delivered. There is simply no reason that a production has to attempt to imitate foreign accents unless they are entirely comfortable and capable of doing so. Tennessee Williams’ had a way of playing between the microcosmic and universal, examining the minutiae of social relations between close families in tight, tough situations. These interpersonal relations transcend cultural barriers and could very well have been conveyed through the actors’ native accents instead.
The production was clearly promising and as it moved into the final scenes the cast’s performance measurably improved. With some refinement, and maybe paying more attention to the way emotions and tension are physically represented, this could well be a great play. Looking into the company it seems that this is their first appearance at the Fringe, and with that in mind it’s a great debut for a small troupe.
