death shall have dominion over everything except The Dominion

[reverancepavane]

Just saw the (Royal) National Theatre performance of Terry Pratchett's Nation. I found it quite excellent, although, as I have yet to read the book, I can't say how well it hues to the original storyline (although I am told by an expert that, apart from some interesting asynchronicity, it is an excellent adaptation). Emily Taaffe* and Gary Carr do a wonderful job as Daphne and Mau, and the ensemble cast is excellent, particularly in the recurring role of Locaha. The design and choreography were excellent, and a tribute to the director Melly Still. In particular the rotating domed stage does a wonderful job of physically defining the front and back of stage, allowing very quick scene changes, vital in a show that travels from the sitting rooms of Dorset to the islands of the Pacific and then onto lands metaphysical. I enjoyed the puppetry of the Grandfather Birds. It also includes some catchy musical numbers, although they did end up being seriously overused in the second act. However I can see people less accustomed to the fantastic, comparative anthropology, and the classical idea of the underworld and its keeper might get a wee bit lost if they haven't read the book. And in case you are wondering exactly how I managed to get to the South Bank in London and back again so quickly ... well, I didn't. This was part of the National Theatre Live initiative, where they record the performance for limited display in cinemas around the world. If you want to see it, the last performance in Australia is tomorrow (Sunday 14th) at 1pm. Well worth going to see. * Although it was occasionally difficult, especially when she was in native costume, to remember that she was supposed to be portraying a 13 year old girl. What can I say? The grass skirt really suited her. <grin>