Ray
Bradbury's 'Farenheit 451' was published in 1953, its comments on
censorship and the futility in destroying the written word are as relevant
today as when first written. Although aware of the televised series of his
work 'The Martian Chronicles' originally published in 1950, I was unaware
of his other works.
Set in a world where thinking is
controlled by Giant TV screens covering the walls in homes sending
subliminal messages to the populous. Where medication is used to control
those who step slightly out of alignment and the written word is outlawed.
We have firemen whose job is really to burn any books found. We
focus on Guy Montag a dedicated fireman until he meets young Clarice, this
little girl makes him think about his world, his life and for the first
time himself. He then meets Mrs Hudson who prefers to die rather than give
up her library, to such an extent she dos the firemen’s job for them.
Montag takes some of her books haunted by the idea that life might not be
worth living after all. He is contacted by Clarice's uncle Faber and
starts to read the secreted books, as his discontent increases he
memorises two books of a bible. When he eventually kills his superior he
is beaten and makes his way out of town only to meet up with others who
have all memorised different books by different authors. We finally see
the largest fire of them all, the destruction of the city!
This
10 strong ensemble play all the characters utilising lighting and sound or
set changes. The cast are David Bartlett, Katherine Boynton, Gracy Brown,
Tara Brown, Kristen Harlow, Gregory Konow, Mike Roche, Cyrus Roxas, Mike
Tranzilli and Sam Whitten. They show the different aspects of living in
this time where memories and original thoughts are outlawed. The
developing relationship between the child and the man, is totally
believable and we witness his changing attitude to life.
The depiction of the fires utilising the other cast members is
fascinating.
This
is a powerful piece of thought provoking theatre.
****
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