Authentic performances. Guided by Rob Ruggiero's sensitive leadership the actors give poignant portrayals. Their interaction is filled with both tension and genuine affection. Kenya Brome's Veronica seems ready to burst with the urge to explore her talent and a life free from the contraints of Karoo. With the help of dialect coach Saidah Arrika Ekulona, both Brome and Galman have captured the lilt of their characters speech patterns.
Rich dialogue. Fugard's language often borders on the poetic. Here this is especially true of the descriptions of he satisfactions inherent in bringing forth seeds from even this hardsrcabble soil.
Stunning production values. I've already commented on the simple but effective set--but it's left for John Lasiter's terrific lighting to really bring that set to life, to transform the paper horizon in the background from beige to blue to red and to create the fluid transition from scene to scene. Characters don't just exit but become breathtaking silhouettes. In one of these silhouettes the actors seem to be two candles, another is reminiscent of Rodin's famous "Thinker." Peg Carbonneau's costume designs are equally splendid.
Plays mentioned here and reviewed at CurtainUp:
The Film Society
The Suit
VALLEY SONG
Directed by Rob Ruggiero
With Kenya Brome and Peter Galman
Barrington Stage
Consolati Performing Arts
Sheffield, MA (413)528-8888
7/18/97-8/03/97 (opening, 6/27)