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The Machine Stops
Newcastle Northern Stage
Thursday 30th March 2017
Directed
by Juliet Forster
Designed
by Rhys Jarman
Music
by John Foxx and Benge
Lighting
designed by Tom Smith
Movement Direction by Philippa Vafadari
Humans
have lost the ability to live on the surface of the Earth. In order to survive
they now live, in isolation, underground. All needs are serviced by a global
machine which also facilitates communication between people.
The
Machine Stops is based upon a science fiction short story by E. M. Forster
which was first published in 1909. The story resonates in modern 2017 Britain as it predicted new
technologies such as texting and the World Wide Web. The tale has been adapted
for the stage by Neil Duffield. This fascinating tale feels very modern as we
have the isolation that social media can create. There are the issues of false
news being repeated, mindlessly, as fact without proper verification.
Vashti
(Ricky Butt) lives in a bubble in which her many online friends, whom she never
meets face to face, often repeat what she wants to hear. She lives in a hexagonal space, like a bee,
and has her every need looked after by technology. The lack of natural light
and fresh air is not an issue as she can make her space dark for sleep when she
wants and she can attend or deliver web hosted lectures when she wakes up. Her
entertainment, food and other needs are looked after by the machine so no
longer does she need to move.
There
is an environmental angle too as assumptions are made about the state of the
Earth as a habitable planet. Having
multiple generations living in this way and accepting the new way of live was,
I felt, similar to the passengers on board of the Axiom spacecraft on the
animation Wall-E.
Whilst
Vashti is happy with her lot, her son Kuno (Rohan Nedd) has a rebellious
streak. He wants to see if the outside world is that bad. The pod like
existence means he has been allocated a space on the other side of the world
which is connected by underground trains and a 2 day airship ride. The airship
is one of the few elements feeling more like 1909 rather than 2017. Mother and
son only stay in touch through web cams and texting.
Designer
Rhys Jarman has created an intricate framework that has the honeycomb effect
and doesn’t look strong enough to support someone’s weight and yet it carries
both Maria Gray and Adam Slynn who are a part of the Machine. Their flexibility
and strength makes the connecting and disconnecting look effortless. The lighting design picks out the action and becomes
another character by flagging up what could be out there too.
The Machine Stops also features a brand new
soundtrack composed by John Foxx, pioneer of electronic music and founder of
Ultravox, and analogue synth specialist, Benge. The sounds fit the action and
echo that bleakness which came from electronic artists in the late 70s/ early
80s - think along the lines of Kraftwerk, pre-Dare Human League or Tubeway
Army.
The
cast do a great job, under Juliet Forster’s direction, of maintaining both the
pace and the pathos of the piece. The decision not to have an interval is a
correct one in order to keep the momentum going. Ricky Butt is believable as a
part of the system; the happy camper who accepts their lot in life. Rohan Nedd
is perfectly cast as the faithful and yet inquisitive son. Despite the distance that technology and
lifestyle create, there is an onstage chemistry in this powerful drama.
This
play feels very deep yet highly engaging. Pilot Theatre, in association with
the Theatre Royal York has created a superb commentary on technology. The show
was really engaging and the reaction at the end as the lights went up was a
large crowd really eager to talk to one another about their thoughts on the
show - there was a real loud buzz at the end. The compelling tale is well worth
seeking out.
Review
by Stephen
Oliver.
The
final stop of the tour takes the show to Belgrade Theatre, Coventry from 4 - 8 April - see http://www.belgrade.co.uk/event/the-machine-stops
for details and tickets.
Suitable
for ages 11+
Running
time: 1 hour 25 minutes, no interval
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