past PILLARS OF SOCIETY by Henrik Ibsen Rosemary Branch Theatre www.rosemarybranch.co.uk 2 - 20 October 2002 Translated, Directed and Designed by Terje Tveit Lighting Design by Finnuala McNulty Stephanie Jory (centre) Matthew Rutherford Pillars of Society Matthew Rutherford, Graham Elwood Pillars of Society Anouka Brook, Matthew Rutherford Cast: (in order of appearance) Mr Aune Graham Elwell Narrator/Mr Krap/Olaf Bernick Paul Hampton Mr Rørlund Chris Garwood Miss Martha Bernick Valborg Frøysnes Miss Dina Dorf Stephanie Jory Mrs Rummel Rosalind Stockwell Mrs Holt Sanna Stellan Mrs Lynge Imogen Dobbs Mr Hilmar Tønnesen Xavier Williams Mr Karsten Bernick Matthew Rutherford Mr Rummel Dominic Gately Mr Vigeland Graham Sandry Miss Lona Hessel Anouka Brook Mr Johan Tønnesen Luke Redmond What the Critics said: "Critic's Choice - Five Best Productions Nationwide" The Independent "Terje Tveit's accomplished adaptation gives as much weight and emotional urgency as they must have had in 1877. Part of the success relies on the way the large cast is marshalled around the small stage, creating a powerful sense of provincial claustrophobia without ever cramping the space. … The central performances are simply outstanding. Matthew Rutherford is a model of quiet fear as the businessman Karsten Bernick who sees his world unravel around him, and Anouka Brook gives a complex , beautifully rounded performance as the emancipated woman who wants to hold a mirror to his self-deceptions." Metro "Ibsen's Pillars of Society is a dark comedy. However thanks to an energetic production by the Dale Teater Kompani, it shines brightly. The claustrophobic place of a Norwegian village provides the backdrop against which all the humour and tragedy of the story is played out. In the restricted space of the Rosemary Branch, the atmosphere created is particularly powerful, so much that the break was most welcome when it came. However after 15 minutes, the audience were keen to return for the final act. The performance is sometimes surreal, sometimes hilarious and always disturbing and intense. Director and translator Terje Tveit is clearly aware of the uncomfortable feelings evoked by this intensity and plays on them throughout. Particularly popular with the audience were the manic Mrs Lynge (Imogen Dobbs) and the arch Mrs Rummel (Rosalind Stockwell). Paul Hampton transforms himself from narrator and player to prop in a way that has to be seen to be believed. … Pillars of strength." Hackney Gazette "The 15-member strong cast copes well with the limited space and succeeds both in bringing this new translation and the rarely seen Ibsen work to life and building the tensions during the three hours. … Matthew Rutherford, as the key pillar of society the Consul Karsten Bernick is totally credible as he schemes, agonises and eventually repents his evil ways, while Xavier Williams, as Hilmar Tønnesen - an ailing gossipmonger and somewhat curious dandy - is entertaining every minute he is central to the action. Fabulous Anouka Brook plays Lona - stomping around in men's boots and gleefully putting cats among the pigeons." The Stage