Review: Animal Farm, Stratford East

Following abysmal treatments by a farmer, animals at Manor Farm revolted against their owner and takes over the farm in the hope of better lives and establishing a place where they could live amongst each other as equals. However, despite good intentions, the yearnings for power begin to corrupt the pigs, and history repeats itself. 

The idea of a revolution was planted by Old Major (Everal A Walsh) through a compelling and stimulating monologue and his slaughter was what kicks the story into motion. Carrying the will of Old Major, the three pigs Napoleon (Tachia Newall), Snowball (Robin Morrissey) and Squealer (Tom Simper) are among the first to draw blood and leads the rest of the animals into action. The story is nuanced and highlights the hardship each one of the animals face, things that us two legs take for granted. Clover (Tianah Hodding) lost all of her foals, Minty (Farshid Rokey) lost his flock of sheep, and Clara (Brydie Servie), having laid more eggs that she could count, not a single one was given the opportunity to hatch.

Even though the story is centred around animal cruelty, it is also about inequality, betrayal and grief, making this piece exceptionally poignant from multiple aspects. This is perhaps most keenly felt when lies pile on each other and in the face of famine, Clara is forced to give up her eggs, even though she was promised that she’ll finally get a chance to raise her chicks. The despair portrayed on Servie’s expressions and body language were heart wrenching, making her eventual breakdown and ultimate fate all the more devastating.

Boxer (Gabriel Paul), the horse, has blindly believed in the pigs’ lies of a brighter future, worked harder than anybody else until the very end. Here, we see somebody who is hard working and all he wanted to accomplish was to create something that he could be proud of. Yet, he was sickeningly disposed of when he is no longer useful. Of note, Paul maintained a detailed personification of a horse, inserting perfectly time whinnies into his dialogue and even in the background, bringing a vivid farm environment to the stage.

The pigs lie at the centre of the plot. While they led the revolution for a noble cause, they each succumbs to base desires. For Snowball, it was his unrealistic drive for innovation; Napoleon, to stay in power; and Squealer, perhaps the most devious, play his hands to reap the most benefits, irrespective of who he has to destroy.

The fights among the animals, but particular between the animals and human invaders, are incredibly choreographed by Kane Husbands. When complemented by the Lighting and Sound designed by Jai Morjaria and Khalil Madovi, respectively, heighten the tension of the fights.

Designed by Hayley Grindle, the set is split into two levels. The farm, where the manual labourers live is at the lower half. It is plain, filled with cages and resembles a barn. The top on the other hand, completed with a fire and beds, was where the farmer used to reside and subsequently where the pigs take residence. This creates a physical barrier and segregation between the masters and the workers, introducing the concept of inequality from the very start.

Animal Farm brings the most primal emotions to the forefront, and showcases that even the best of intentions could be corrupted. Not every revolution leads to improvements, and in this play, we are shown the depth of oppression that far exceeds the dictator our characters worked so hard to overthrow. 

Adapted from book by: George Orwell
Adapted by: Tatty Hennessy
Directed by: Amy Leach
Set & Costume Design by: Hayley Grindle
Lighting Design by: Jai Morjaria
Associate Lighting Design by: Sam Osborne
Sound Designer & Composition by: Khalil Madovi
Movement Direction by: Kane Husbands

Animal Farm plays at Stratford East until 8 March.