Broadcast live from The Old Vic theatre, “All My Sons” was sent to international screens as far afield as Uruguay; and there was certainly something beyond special watching in the knowledge that 9 million people across the world were living the 1947 tragedy at the same moment as me, in Nuffield Southampton Theatre. The play, written by Arthur Miller in post war America follows the tragic outcomes caused by one father, business owner, trying to provide for his family, displaying the power of war guilt creating endless cycles of suffering, affecting “all”. Directed by Jeremy Herrin in co-production with The Old Vic and Headlong, “All My Sons” is timeless and utterly heart-breaking.
Entering the cinema this evening, having never watched a NT LIVE production before, I was sceptical to say the least. This was heightened knowing this play is almost 70 years old: I was intrigued to see how the themes of the production were carried through time, and more importantly, if the play was still relevant to a contemporary audience. however, I can say the play is absolutely brilliant, including themes of choice, family and guilt allowing its timeless nature to present a play which can be enjoyed for generations.
The play’s voyeuristic style was not affected by the broadcasting, instead arguably, aided its presentation. The camera quality was excellent and captured the entire stage, missing no entrances or exits. The play was essentially unaffected, bar the atmosphere of the cinema which didn’t replicate the usual buzz of an audience during award-winning productions.
The cast of “All My Sons” are impossible to fault, with particular credit to Sally Field, Kate Keller, and Jenna Coleman as Anne, who both brought such pure and authentic emotion, creating a completely engrossing performance, leaving no-one in the audience dry-eyed! Sally Field’s portrayal of a grieving mother was jarringly real, shaking every mother in the audience with fear. Jenna Coleman and Colin Morgan’s relationship acted as a shimmer of hope in an otherwise arbitrary world of suffering. Their relationship was natural and instinctive, and beautifully depicted how love smashes hate, always.
The set created a naturalistic style family garden, including a focal sun-lounger which becomes the pivotal location for the major action of the play. Downstage there was a planted tree, symbolic of Larry, the missing soldier, and it becomes a constant reminder of the loss and betrayal which is now rooted in the family.
This production of “All My Sons” was a prefect tribute to Arthur Miller, and I will definitely be watching another NT LIVE production very soon. A wonderful concept and a triumph!
Reviewer - Grace McNicholas
on - 14/5/19
Again the reviewer has brought to life the production she saw.
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