The Stage

The Trial

Published Thursday 26 January 2012 at 14:54 by Anne Broom

Spare, economical yet choreographed with the precision of a metronome, Blackeyed Theatre’s production of Steven Berkoff’s play engages and fascinates. Ella Vale directs a close-knit ensemble with intelligence and clarity. Actors create and detach themselves from their many characters, while maintaining the focus, energy and rhythm of the piece. The geometric frames of Victoria Spearing’s minimalist colour-coordinated set are seamlessly re-arranged through varied locations whether waiting room, bank or court of enquiries as accused man Joseph K endeavours to make sense of his arrest. In a masterclass of ensemble work, five actors create a multitude of credible sound effects, while beautifully executed mime signposts events as a bizarre and surreal story careers onwards. Working tightly together, actors rise to the challenge of this hugely physical piece with admirable energy, finding situations of high comedy juxtaposed against bleaker and blacker moments.

A scene from The Trial at Queen's Theatre, Barnstaple Photo: George Riddell

Simon Wegrzyn ensures that Joseph K is both interesting and credible as he becomes enmeshed in the tangled judicial system. Nadia Morgan uses her sensuous voice effectively in songs that link scenes and forward the story, moving in and out of characters as varied as aged landlady Mrs. Grubach and seductive lawyer’s mistress Leni.

There is wonderful comedy as Robert Snell’s court painter, Titorelli, takes K through the intricacies of court procedure - cleverly illustrated by the ensemble’s pictorially framed poses - and offers K a provisional acquittal. Derek Elwood is an authoritative inspector and people’s lawyer Huld, while Paul Taylor is a strong bailiff and judge.