Gulliver's Travels
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Farley, Bell
Photo by Jean-Louis Darville
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By Joseph N. Feinstein
There is no doubt that Jonathan Swift was a multi-talented Irish cleric, satirist, essayist, and author whose writings give us insights into 17th century England in a bold, refreshingly sarcastic manner. In their attempt to recreate Swift's most famous achievement, The Actors' Gang and Joshua Zeller have adapted and P. Adam Walsh has directed Gulliver's Travels , now appearing at the Ivy Substation in Culver City and running until September 2. Frankly, I don't think it will make it.
Ambitious? Yes. Clever in concept? Without a doubt. Keythe Farley as Gulliver is sensational. Creative? Undeniably so. Coherent? No way, Jose! Moving? Right out of the theater. Recommended? Hardly at all!
The play uses a variety of techniques to tell the story: puppetry, shadows, creative lighting, props galore, and an ensemble of seven stalwarts who move about with alacrity, sometimes to distraction! Heading the troupe is Keythe Farley, who, at times, will appear as a giant, other times as a dwarf, depending on which island he lands. No matter where he is, Farley's voice and presence occupies and thrills us completely.
The other six members of the cast have their work cut out for them, but, somehow, all their lines and shenanigans simply do not register. We feel as emotionless as their words and have little sympathy for their behaviors or philosophies.
Although there were several children in the audience at the performance reviewed, this play is definitely not for children. Scenes of defecation, urination, masturbation, and fornication are liberally presented with gigantic balls of "feces" descending on the stage. (Don't eat before seeing this play!)
Moreover, several simulations and remarks presented remained quite unclear to this viewer, including many of the politically facetious remarks by Gulliver and the various kings and despots he meets along the way. One would need a refresher history course to "get it".
Shannon Kennedy, the costume designer, had to have a field day with this one. Her creative endeavors bear fruit as we travel along with Gulliver into the four lands he discovers. Each new civilization requires attention, and Ms. Kennedy and her consultant
Ann Closs-Farley came through admirably, dressing her characters with great imagination.
Francois-Pierre Couture's fine scenic and lighting design was no easy task, and this area deserves huge plaudits for originality.
Somehow, P. A. Walsh's direction missed the boat.....here, there, almost everywhere. Although many different devices are used throughout the play, it just doesn't congeal properly. Gulliver appears everywhere and seems to get nowhere. It's only the very last scene that we empathize and sympathize with him. But, above all, we're so happy that we're at that place, for it means this play is over!
Gulliver's Travels The Actors' Gang @ The Ivy Substation 9070 Venice Blvd. Culver City
Tel. 310-838-4264 Thursday - Saturday @ 8:00 p.m.; Sunday @ 3:00 p.m.; Tickets $25; Student & Seniors - $20; Thursdays: Pay What You Can. www.theactorsgang.com
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