Printable CopyTHE KREUTZER SONATA
The State Theatre Company of South Australia
State Theatre Company Rehearsal Room
Until 17 Mar 2013

Review by Tony Busch

Everyone knows of the ill-fated start to this production which led to Renato Musolino taking over this one-man show with just two days preparation. All I can say is bravo, because Mr Musolino acquits himself admirably.

Despite having a script in hand, he manages to deliver a powerhouse performance of great subtlety and finesse. Five minutes into the piece the script has become merely an unimportant prop in the production.

Based on the novella by Tolstoy, Sue Smith’s script provides a wonderful vehicle for an actor who is given the chance to play narrator and the many characters in the story, including the protagonist Pozdnyshev. The adaptation remains faithful to Tolstoy’s wonderful prose without falling into wordy or pompous oratory.

The production itself is an interesting one. The coldness of the State Theatre workshop provides a perfect backdrop to the story. Geoff Cobham’s set uses a scaffold gangway and decking suspended over a pool of water as black as Pozdneyshev’s jealous rage. The backdrop is a series of evocative, projected drawings by Thom Buchannan. Less successful was Cobham’s busy lighting which sometimes was obvious enough to distract from the performance.

Also interesting was the use of a series of excerpts from classical chamber works, including the Beethoven sonata of the title, beautifully performed by Gabriella Smart and Elizabeth Layton. Despite the quality of their playing, the music does not necessarily add to the drama.

Geordie Brookman must be a very relieved director. He has managed to bring this piece to life in the face of some mighty obstacles. Bravo to all concerned.