THEATRE REVIEWS

The total absorption of the audience in Paradise Lost is a mark of the success of the performance of the cast and the modern interpretation given by David Farr to John Milton’s poem “Paradise Lost”. No one could mistake the differences between the war-ravaged, fallen angels in Hell and the brightly attired angels in Heaven or the simplicity of Eden, depicted through moving photographic images. Through the intonation and pace of dialogue, and choreographed movements of the actors, the audience was given a clear perception of the story of Adam and Eve.

The story unfolds in the drab atmosphere of Hell, with the realisation from the fallen angels that they would not be able to reap the joys of Heaven and they debate how they gain revenge. Satan, performed by Stephan Noonan, manoeuvres his way into Heaven and Eden portraying superbly his duplicity of roles; guile to gain access to Man, revenge on God, tempted by joy, inveigled by hate. Humour and persuasion was also conveyed through his words and actions, even endearing an evil character to the audience. As Adam and Eve emerge in Eden, in their softly camouflaged nakedness, Satan looks on, watching their innocence, which was an essential ingredient for the play. Their love is transmitted through choreographed aerial movements and gradually Adam allows Eve to wander away from him. Eve (Kananu Kirimi) shows strength and vitality, as she is tempted to eat the forbidden fruit by Satan, and then persuades Adam to accept the gift from the tree of knowledge. Adam (Christopher Staines), although sometimes not always fluid in his movements, expertly uses changes in moods and words to convey a range of emotions; hope as he accepts the fruit, anger for the loss of eternity in Eden and then humility and acceptance of God’s punishment. As they dress, Adam and Eve resolve to find hope for their future and leave the audience in no doubt of the fate of Man.

This adapted play is really worth seeing. It is supported by a strong cast who link the themes and strands of a difficult subject; with a notable performance by Dido Miles in the contrasting roles of Sin and Gabriel. © JG

“Paradise Lost” is in Bristol on the 30th of January until the 21st of February, 2004.