Das geheime Tagebuch des Adrian Mole (Next Liberty)

This review is for the Wednesday, May 11th, 2011 performance of Das geheime Tagebuch des Adrian Mole by Sue Townsend which was put on by the Next Liberty theatre troup in Graz.

Acting - 9/10
Direction - 10/10
Design - 10/10

Sound - 8/10
Affectiveness - 9/10

Overall - 9.5/10

  

      Next Liberty is the children's theatre division of the Theatre Holding in Graz (which includes the Schauspielhaus as well as the Opera) for those who are unfamiliar with the company. Initially I was wary about seeing a children's theatre production because many times they can be seriously cheesy but this production was not that. There were the occasional fromage moments but the were wonderfully incorporated into the story. 

     The point of children's theatre is to entertain and to educate in a way that makes the text easy to understand for the young (and old). This company did just that. I was never left questioning why or how or what on earth is going on. 

Start of the play. New Year's Eve.

     The acting was strong by the entire cast. Each actors physicality was so expressive an almost clown-like at times. The story was not only told through their words but their body moved to illustrate a lot of what was being said as if each character was 1/4 mime. It worked brilliantly. I was smiling and eager to see what the actors would do next and I was always surprised by their enactments. Exciting and engaging. Only sometimes I wished for a little more depth because there were hints at it, but then quickly snapped back to pantomime. I understand that it was to make the issue of divorce less troubling for the audience, but at the same time I'm sure a little bit more exploration of the dark side of things only would have benefited the production.

     The stage was dressed like an apartment from the late 1970s early 1980s and really gave that sitcom feel which went wonderfully with the sitcom-like direction (without a laugh track - thank god). Furniture pieces were moved around by the title character Adrian Mole during his monologue breaks in a very Brechtian manner. This illustrated to the audience that this is a story and Adrian our point of perspective, just in case we got wrapped up with the divorce storyline from the side of the Mr. & Mrs. Mole.

     Regardless of the children's theatre aspect of this company, this production is a harmony of great acting, well thought out direction and eye catching design. (I especially like the pet dog).

     This production is a must see for anyone who wants a good 2 hours and a renewed appreciation for the art of entertaining the yound and old.