A wonderful English Literature teacher first introduced me to E. M. Forster and I fell in love with his brilliant A Passage to India whilestudying it for A level.When I visited India for the first time, I realised how extraordinarily skilful Forster was at conjuring this gorgeous country’s vibrant smells, sights and sounds, even though thankfully, I never experienced British colonialism first hand. I enjoy Simon Dormandy’s stunning adaptation for the stage so much it has made me want to read this beloved novel again.
In an interview, Dormandy tells us to “expect a simple, moving story about people overcoming terrible obstacles in search of love” and he delivers just that. Blessed with a faultless ensemble, his illustration presents the British failure to inhabit India with the grace and dignity it deserves. By using sharp physical theatre and evocative sound, he captivates us during tricky stage sequences, such as the incident in the mysterious Marabar Caves. The elephant ride is particularly witty and inventive.
Attention to detail doesn't go unnoticed as even the vocal delivery is expertly considered, such as the Indian vs British stressing opposing syllables in words such as ‘Marabar’. As Dr Aziz’ friend warns him from the offset, they just aren’t compatible with the English. However, Forster is determined to show how love can be found in the simplest of relationships, and I particularly enjoy the connection between Dr Aziz and his friend Fielding, delicately portrayed in moments of deep understanding between these two men.
Although the British are culpable as an institution rather than intentionally mean spirited individuals, a potent Edward Killingback is palpably offensive as Ronny, making me as angry as I’d hoped he would. Supported by strong performances from Matthew Douglas, Christopher Doyle, Hannah Emanuel and Nigel Hastings, this company neither hold back nor exaggerate their depiction of the unforgivable British xenophobia. Tense focus and comical moments from Tibu Fortes, Ranjit Krishnamma and Maanuv Thiara add to the exceptional work from this collaboration.
I particularly enjoy Phoebe Pryce as the unfortunate Adela, who manages to change my opinion of this awkward woman struggling to understand how her fellow Brits could fail to engage with India in the way she tries so hard to do. I find myself utterly convinced by her longing to ‘only connect’ with the country via a charmingly naïve Dr Aziz, compellingly played by Asif Khan. Liz Crowther charms as Mrs Moore, perhaps easy to do with the role that is inevitably the most likeable in the story, as she demonstrates the humanity people need to show - an essential decency to their fellow man.
Sebastian Armesto has taken a beautiful book, lovingly adapted by Dormandy, and furnished it with a knock out team of actors, designers and musicians, all pulling together to make this a production worthy of a journey to this fantastic theatre.
You may not have heard of playwright and literary manager Robin Hooper or his actor brother, Jim, but for those in the know, they’re theatre aristocracy who have quietly been at the heart of our business for decades.