Review - Wild Surmise

Malthouse Theatre Presents

Wild Surmise

Based on the verse novel by Dorothy Porter

Devised by Jane Montogomery Griffiths

Directed by Marion Potts

Set and Costume Design Anna Tregloan, Composition and Sound Design Jethro Woodward, Lighting Design Paul Jackson, Assistant Director Adena Jacobs

Performed by

Humphrey Bower

Jane Montgomery Griffiths

Malthouse – until 2 December (best check)

Wild Surmise is a testament to how poetry and heightened poetic images and metaphors can encompass, and when delivered with insight, express emotions with a visceral impact.  Jane Montgomery Griffiths has the power and mastery, as an actor, to deliver deeply felt longing and yearning that is capable of truly touching an audience, as does Humphrey Bower.

Like her also stunning performance piece on Sappho this adaption of Dorothy Porter’s work is exquisitely staged.  Anna Tregloan has created a mirrored set, that can, poignantly and tellingly, deliver three reflections of its two variously suffering and alienated occupant characters.

This is the story of a seemingly irretrievable communication breakdown in the twenty-year-old marriage.  She (Jane Montgomery Griffiths) is a scientist and deeply passionate about her work.  And he (Humphrey Bower) perhaps, one wonders, to be supportive of her endeavors, is a tertiary teacher of poetry who has grown desperately and bitterly weary of his students.   As these two grow disenchanted with each other she is being swept off her feet by a young lover and he is discovered to be ill with cancer.  As her passion grows outward his life fades and folds in on itself.   We, witness it, as a real and organic human juxtaposition, set on a contrastingly shiny polished surface - seemly representative of how we live our busy modern lives.

Sound by Jethro Woodward is subtle and so effective.  It creeps in quietly and manipulates and enhances the mood.  Lighting by Paul Jackson cleverly works the mirrors to the best effect.

All-in-all I was left with the pervading sense that even when we don’t feel love we can still actually be, unfeelingly, loving those with whom we have an intimate bond.  That even through the really difficult times there can be a thread of a deep connection  - an almost un-severable tie.  Therefore best to be kind and nurturing if at all possible specially when facing death. 

This is extremely well constructed theatre that is moving and thoughtful, and beautifully melded and managed by Director Marion Potts. 

Rewarding!

Suzanne Sandow

(For Stage Whisper)