Fiona Gordon: One has to wonder, when a stage show is billed as a ‘thriller’ what that actually might mean…

I guess one could expect a sense of sinister mystery, a fair amount of darkness, some spine-chilling moments – perhaps some death?

A basic set of household objects provides the framework for the telling of this tormented tale, where shadows and foreshadowing both feature powerfully, and additional elements are provided through the use of sound effects.

The stage is sometimes lit just by torchlight or candle flame. Theatres, as large old houses, can be scary places. Especially in the dark. More so when noises ignite imaginations that cannot be dispelled by light.

Subtle breaks through the proscenium arch involve the audience in a way that increases the immediacy of the action, to great effect. Nothing gives a sense of being lost in a thick fog, like trying to see an actor through an unexpected haze of dry-ice smoke.

Where nuances of accent, movement and costume indicate different characters and locations, a play of this nature requires seriously competent actors to maintain a sense of reality, and carry the suspense.

My friend, newly relocated to South Africa from England, asked me if I was sure the actors were South African – their (multiple) British accents were that clearly articulated. And, with the help of some clever production, they maintained suspense and intensity through to the deeply disconcerting end.

‘The Woman in Black’ is adapted by Stephen Mallatratt, from the novel by Susan Hill, and directed by Moira Blumenthal. Starring Eckard Rabe and Anton Luitingh, it plays at the Theatre on the Bay until 13 February 2010. Tickets, from R100, can be booked through Computicket.

Fiona Gordon
fiona@artslink.co.za
www.artslink.co.za