Lord of the Flies
The definitive tale of teenage tension is revisited on stage for a new generation to discover
First published on . Updated on 13 May 2012
For many teenagers, a life without parental rule would be a dream come true. But the reality, of course, would be quite a different story.
Nowhere is this idea better dealt with than in William Golding’s 1954 novelLord of the Flies. Set on a tropical island during a nuclear war, it sees a group of male, pre-teen plane crash survivors struggling to cope after the initial glow of anarchy wanes. And for their latest production, the New Theatre will be injecting a fresh lease of life into this gripping story.
The adaptation allows the novel’s confronting themes to resonate with a new modern audience. “The thin veneer of civilisation it portrays is always shocking,” says director Anthony Skuse. “And when watching the news today, there is a similar sad savagery that sits underneath what you see.” And Skuse is keen to use his stage to introduce the novel to a new generation of young readers. “The play will hopefully bring a lot of people to the book for the first time,” he says. “Also, for those studying it at school, seeing it realised on stage is a great way to better understand it.”
Skuse’s adaptation will stay true to the source material, but uses a cast of older actors. “I think it’s great to keep it in period and with British accents. Audiences don’t always need everything to be updated,” he explains. A rake stage (which slopes upwards, away from the audience) allows the force of the original novel to shine, too. “It makes for a very dynamic space,” says Skuse. “It gives a wonderful energy as the actors move up and down it. I want to transport the audience to the island, and when it’s right there in front of you, it’ll be very exciting.”
New Theatre 542 King St, Newtown 2042. 1300 13 11 88. www.newtheatre.org.au. Wed-Sat 8pm; Sun 5pm. $15-$30. Apr 10-May 12.
Words by Stuart Holmes
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