Summer Of The 17th Doll, Belvoir St Theatre
It was this time last year that I began to get enlivened at the prospect of Neil Armfield directing Ray Lawler’s updated version of The Doll. Et voila! Now I can safely say I have seen it and, more importantly, I enjoyed it!
Still, I can’t help but be conflicted as to whether I truly believe this is a play that continues to be relevant in a modern context (it was first performed in 1955). The underlying messages, yes. The story itself? I’m not so sure…
Even though Lawler has revisited the text, I didn’t notice many huge divergences between the original- not that this is something that could be done in any heavy handed sort of way- however perhaps an adaption (similar to Benedict Andrews’ version of The Seagull, seen on the Belvoir main stage earlier in the season) would be an interesting evolution for the text?
Nonetheless, it is a histrionic piece of Australian theatre that the star studded cast rips to shreds- in a good way: Susie Porter, Robyn Nevin, Yael Stone, Steve Le Marquand, TJ Power, Helen Thomson and Dan Wylie. This, hand- in- hand with the stunningly alive set designed by current Belvoir artistic director, Ralph Meyers and Armfield’s faultless directing proves for a wonderful production.
WHEN: 24th September- 13th November
WHERE: Belvoir St Theatre, Belvoir St Surry Hills
Emily Eskell
emilyeskell@gmail.com