DRAMA DRAGONS The advent of this production attracted more than usual interest through the 'Government Health Warning' attached to its language and its setting in the 'new' drama centre: how many of the audience would be shocked into early departure (taking advantage of the thoughtful advice in the programme about the easiest exit), and would the producer utilise all the potential of this building on its first public occasion? In the event, both the language and the situation were brought together to produce a memorably disturbing piece. Ian Lowe's thematic exploration of Miller and Orwell provided us with a powerful expression of the dangers latent in fundamentalism. The building, still a bare and unadorned church hall, offered a good setting for the action and contributed to the portrayal of the 'community'. The black cross, stark texts and — a nice touch — the service leaflets with the words of the hymn all served to engage us. It was surely appropriate that this plain and austere ambience was matched by the rudimentary state of the electrics: Jim Butler worked several miracles in making the effects as good as they were.
The Elizabeth, Proctor, Abigail triangle contributed substantially to the power of the piece, with compelling performances from these members of the cast. Vicki Gill was impressive in her command of the forceful and uncompromising language and expression associated with Abigail. Sally Hamilton's dark brooding and cold conviction enhanced the focus of the play, and, towards its conclusion, her meeting with the Co-ordinator was set in striking contrast by the embracing Abigail and Proctor. The Reverend (Antony Dunn) presided over the unleashing of the forces bent on finding a scapegoat for the predicament faced by the 'community'. The meeting of the four men with the Co-ordinator and the solution proposed, re-inforced by the following sermon, deepened our disquiet. The lighter moments, such as they were in this dark drama, were well received. Ann (Sarah Durham), cautioning against leniency and organising the children, was superb. 'Enjoyable' is hardly appropriate to describe the experience of those present, but all involved — too many to mention individually — gave us an excellent production. P. Taylor 30
