Annie Gray
Critic
Almonte and District High School
An unusual bet, a basket of flowers, and a strong-willed girl are all parts of Pygmalion, performed by students at Redeemer Christian High School.
George Bernard Shaw’s classic is a critique of Britain’s class system. Written in 1912 and premiered in 1913 at the Hofburg Theatre in Vienna, Pygmalion tells of young Eliza Doolittle, a working-class Cockney who is mentored by two high-class men, Henry Higgins and Col. Pickering, in the ways and means of upper-crust society. Her integrity and her daring clash with the men’s traditional values and beliefs, resulting in a powerful commentary.
The students of Redeemer Christian High School used a memorable and authentic-looking setting to strengthen their performance and they skillfully portrayed the little quirks and qualms of British society. Strong performances by the cast captured the serious undertones of Shaw’s work and incorporated the humour of the play.
Notable were Daniel Schenk and Alex Bateman, as Prof. Higgins and Eliza Doolittle. Schenk rarely faltered in his lines, delivering them concisely and clearly. Bateman effectively portrayed Eliza’s various changes throughout, always retaining her fiery independence and stubbornness even under her refined outward appearance. Bateman had a very believable Cockney accent and she stayed constantly in character.
Joren Allard’s sincere portrayal of the quiet and diligent Col. Pickering allowed him to be an effective foil to Schenk and he delivered his lines with a soft edge that suited his character. Allard projected well and developed a strong stage presence, especially alongside Schenk, hinting at the friendship between the two men. As the kind and doting Mrs. Pearce, Elim Chen used simple gestures and body language to thoroughly develop her character. She worked well with Bateman to create a formidable pairing, enough to curb Higgins’ unruly tongue. Tasya Lysack played a respectable parlor maid with grace and appropriate humbleness, and Kaydence Luchies, as Clara Eynsford-Hill, flirted shamelessly with Higgins, making good use of the space to flaunt her colourful character’s vivacious personality.
The ground level set was elegant and creative, incorporating small touches to create a fluid, classy background that allowed for swift and subtle scene changes. The lighting accentuated certain characters at crucial moments, directed the flow of the stage movements, and provided consistent cues. The sound effects were always on time and did not overpower the actors. The early 1900s style was reflected in the detailed and authentic-looking costumes of the actors, and clearly identified each character’s social class.
Redeemer Christian High School delivered a solid and thought-provoking Pygmalion. The actors and actresses overcame the difficulties of accents and a different style of speech, embracing a cultural style both familiar and foreign.
Show #26: Pygmalion
Where: Redeemer Christian High School
Director: Ashley Visser
Mini-Reviews
Julia Carrie
Critic
Earl of March Secondary School
A delightful amalgamation of quirky yet era-appropriate props brought vibrant life to the set: among them a gramophone, a dinner bell, a globe, and a working fireplace. A hansom cab fashioned from a wheelchair was an especially exciting addition.
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