A Clockwork Orange

Surreal, dark, humming with energy. A Clockwork Orange plunges you into a world of futuristic, twisted chaos where questions of morality, crime and punishment are pushed to the forefront.

The iconic leading role of Alex is played by a female, Amy Brangwyn, in an inspired casting choice. Brangwyn stalks the stage with a ferocious, feline energy and carefully straddles the line between detestable sadist and alluring victim. She smacks her ominously blood-stained umbrella about stage, at times to call her menacing “droogs” to attention and at others to sodomize a woman whose husband is forced to watch. Yes, the show included scenes of a violent nature, though managed to avoid some of the gratuitous brutality for which the film is known.

The entire cast put forth strong performances, with especially convincing work by Bianca Beckle-Rose as the twitchy Mr. Deltoid. The cast present the ambitious piece with pride and unrestrained passion.

Both the set design and costumes were magnificent. The two elements worked together flawlessly to create an aesthetic that can only be likened to a love child of Tim Burton and Lady Gaga. The black and white colour scheme conveyed the dichotomy between good and evil, the two opposing forces which are explored in depth. A throbbing soundtrack kept tensions high.

As we watch Alex suffer during “treatment” for his criminal ways, the question arises, “Is the man who chooses bad somehow worse than the man who has the good imposed upon him?”. This issue is woven throughout the piece in a classic exploration of what extent we should go as a society to cure ourselves of evil. Would we be willing to sacrifice our very humanity? The play suggests that “When a man cannot choose, he ceases to be a man.” Or in this case, woman.

There were times when the play dragged a bit and was perhaps less-than-subtle in the presentation of its themes but ultimately, I left the theatre dazed with amazement by its overall power. Highly recommended for those who are fans of the story and for those who do not mind theatre of a more disturbing nature.

Reviewed by Catherine Urfer 20/08/2010

A Clockwork Orange
Spaces @ The Radisson Blu Hotel
19:20 August 21st