The Glass Menagerie

Perhaps his most autobiographical play, Tennessee Williams' The Glass Menagerie is an extremely challenging piece of theatre.

The story is both hopeful and tragic; the characters heroic and cowardly. Director Jemima Levick has succeeded in balancing these differences; her production brings the story to life and allows the writing to resonate.

The Wingfields are an American family struggling to survive in the poor economy of the 1930s. Abandoned many years ago by their husband/father, the remaining trio continue to dance a fragile waltz amongst one another. They search for the American Dream in the hopes of past times.

The cast is full of strong performances. As the son Tom Wingfield, Joseph Arkley connects to the audience immediately. He maintains a constant sympathy which contradicts the apparent selfishness of his character. In the end, the audience must rightfully decide whether or not Tom is justified in his actions, since neither direction nor script cast a definitive blame.

As the crucial familial pivot, Barbara Marten brings a stunning depth to her role as Amanda Wingfield. Marten looks beyond the delusion of her character to emphasise the natural love that every mother has for her children. We truly feel that Amanda's eccentric personality is a result of good intentions rather than naivety. Moving beyond personal conflicts and history, Marten helps focus the play on the inevitable suffering of families.

Other aspects of the production, including music, set, and sound, are unobtrusive. While admittedly unnaturalistic, the simplicity of the stage allows a sense of honesty in the performance. The true star here is Tennessee Williams. The writer consistently expands upon his metaphors and his dialogue is filled with emotion and insight, all of which is on display in this poignant vision of an American classic.