Six Characters in Search of an Author

A co-production between the National Theatre of Scotland, the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh and the Citizens’ Theatre, Glasgow


Amy Manson and Ron Donachie in Six Characters in Search of an Author. Photo: Richard Campbell
The premise Six Characters in Search of an Author is simple: a director and his cast are in the midst of rehearsal when six rejected characters suddenly appear and ask him to write their story.

"Theatrical self-
consciousness
permeates almost
every line of
dialogue... the
play is a paradox"

The play is full of what director Mark Thomson calls “mental gymnastics.” Theatrical self-consciousness permeates almost every line of dialogue: Are these characters real? More real than the actors? How far can a director bend the exact truth of their tale?
Adapted by the acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower, the story gradually unfolds to reveal tragedy in this absurd scenario. In many ways, the play is a paradox. It depends upon a sense of distance between audience and performer while simultaneously asking us to become emotionally attached to its characters.
The story is set in a strange world. Against a slick surface and modern stage design, the ‘real’ actors seem glaringly out of place at first, particularly thanks to their 1920s costumes. As the play progresses, it becomes more apparent that the staging strongly magnifies the emotional detachment between reality and illusion.
Performance highlights are Amy Manson’s maniacal Step-Daughter and Ron Donachie’s guilt-ridden Father. As the comically inept Director, John Dougall brings brilliant timing and articulation to his lines. In total, these three carry the brunt of the play and convey an essential tension that is refreshing in its simplicity.
The unsung star of the show, perhaps, is lighting designer Chris Davey, whose work brings mood and emotion to the events. At times chilling, the lighting is used to effectively create an atmosphere that unites the characters and draws the audience into their experience.

Patrick Bradley

Until March 8 at the Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh. Tel: 0131 248 4848.

March 12-29 2008 at Citizens' Theatre, Glasgow. Tel: 0141 429 0022.

www.nationaltheatrescotland.com

Have you seen this production? Share your views!

What the papers said:

The Guardian:
**** "Newcomer Amy Manson gives the performance of the evening... while Ron Donachie plays her father with an authority that makes his role as a sexual predator even more creepy."

The Herald:
*** "It's a shame that Thomson and Harrower prefer to keep this handsome-looking co-production... as a period piece."

Metro:
**** "An absorbing and thought-provoking look at the limitations of art in addressing truth and reality. Ostensibly a tragedy, it is also very funny."

The Scotsman:
*** "A slightly disappointing effort, trapped by a musty sense of period that panders to stereotyped notions of theatre as an old-fashioned art-form."

The Stage:
"There is an easy clarity to this production of Pirandello’s most famous play, thanks to the impeccably balanced performances under Mark Thomson’s meticulous direction."

Sunday Herald:
***** "Thomson's production is truly blessed to have Amy Manson in the central role. Her fury feels like the fury of a real person fighting against the constraints of mere theatrical artifice."

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