The production of ‘Summer and Smoke’ by Tennessee Williams at The Duke of York’s Theatre in London was riveting and thought-provoking. The inventive staging gives the play a unique and striking quality. The play is ridden with tension throughout. Moreover, Williams utilises the characters to raise questions and to criticise the societal attitudes in the 1940s.
The protagonists, Alma Winemiller and John Buchanan, played by Patsy Ferran and Matthew Needham respectively, have an integral role in the play. Their relationship is depicted as a rather turbulent one, as their antagonistic attributes are highlighted as a crucial flaw in it. Ferran and Needham’s acting is extremely captivating from the very second that they appear on stage, and their attraction to one another is immediately evident.
Alma and John are very quickly distinguished as polar opposites with Alma being clearly overwrought, signified by her trembling voice, intermittent laughs, petite and anxious physique. Contrastingly, John appears to be far more self-assured, sensual and physically dominant. Their opposing natures instantly intrigue and captivate the audience. As well as their prime characteristics being different, the protagonists’ fundamental beliefs and values strikingly juxtapose each other. Due to the characters’ upbringings being dissimilar, (Alma is a vicar’s daughter whereas John’s father is a doctor) their differences are further enforced but their similarities of trauma, loss and tragedy in their past and present (Alma’s insane mother and John’s dead mother) become ever more poignant and obvious as the play progresses.
The staging of the production is extremely effective and compelling. For instance, there is a semicircle of seven pianos on the stage. The pianos are used in an unconventional way, as they are operated to produce a myriad of sound effects. Moreover, at different points in the play, the texture and volume is greatly varied which provides a very successful ‘backing track’ to the events being portrayed on stage.
Overall, ‘Summer and Smoke’ is ultimately a love story, that is riddled with troubles. This is perhaps due to the protagonists’ personal struggles (the traumas, tragedy and loss endured by both lovers), as well as the harsh and narrow-minded world that they live in. The acting is full of energy and precision. You will be enthralled from start to finish as the play embarks on a poignant journey of hardships and self-discovery.
