THEATRE REVIEW: Animal Farm is a largely faithful adaption of the source material
Animal Farm is one of those books that, despite being written in and about a very specific context, remains as relevant as ever. Black Swan’s latest outing attempts to draw those parallels between the source material and modern times.
Once you get over the initial jolt of seeing adults dressed and acting like animals, Animal Farm is an immersive experience. This is a multi-media experience featuring dazzling stage, lighting and sound design. The drama is brought to life in spectacular fashion and vivid detail, with a quality cast of performers the icing on top.
(Images by Daniel J Grant)
Van Badham’s script is largely faithful to the Orwell novel it adapts, albeit leaning into the whimsical and farcical elements a bit more. I will admit some of the humour did not quite land with me personally, and I found some of the references to current events a bit forced and heavy-handed at times (although, granted, that might be fitting given the source material isn’t exactly unsubtle either). Nonetheless, I found the experience entertaining overall, and there were still moments that made me reflect on more than just a surface level.
Although not amongst my favourite Black Swan productions, Animal Farm is still a quality outing.
