George Orwell’s Animal Farm was first published in 1945 as a satire on the Russian Revolution. Orwell explained, “I meant the moral to be that revolutions only effect a radical improvement when the masses are alert and know how to chuck out their leaders as soon as the latter have done their job.” Animal Farm was written, in part, as a warning to citizens of any government that complacency is never a good idea for equality and freedom. In 2022, Orwell’s sentiments appear to remain highly topical and the cast of over 25 Foundation Year pupils presented a politically stark production of theatrical quality which gripped the audience from beginning to end.
The farm animals are first shown working together within the horrible environment for the betterment of Mr. Jones, the owner of the farm, played by Bruno M. Old Major (Max W performing as the old firebrand) then tells the animals of a dream he had about the animals living free of repression and a world without working hard only for the betterment of man. Old Major inspires the animals to work toward his vision and formulate his main principles into a philosophy called Animalism. This is delivered through a unique and affecting version of the ‘call-to-arms’ that is ‘Beasts of England’, in this production presented in hip-hop fashion.
The animals end up defeating Mr. Jones and are left to run the farm on their own; and thus begins Orwell’s lesson on the corruption of power. Tilda M as Napoleon gave a hugely impressive portrayal of this ruthless, Machiavellian character, ably supported by Napoleon’s propaganda chief, Squealer, a superlative performance by Grace T. Snowball, the creatively minded boar dedicated to Old Major’s vision, constantly striving to achieve the revolution with inclusion, loyalty, equality and kindness for all, was expertly presented by Violet G. Thomas Y as the carthorse Boxer was equally impressive, never wavering in his support for the leaders, because ‘Comrade Napoleon is always right’. Benjamin the donkey, the oldest animal on the farm, played by Rafferty M as the voice of reason, was a pleasure to watch as he was unwavering in his character, pointing out the adjustments to each commandment and lamenting how the principles of the revolution, or the ‘guidelines’ have been betrayed and broken.
The lighting, sound and projection design was astounding in accentuating the descent into dystopia in which the animals find themselves living. The excellent costumes consisted of stained dungarees or coveralls, and it was highly effective to observe the individual nuances of each costume which reflected each type of animal, brilliantly aiding the storytelling.
Orwell stressed the importance of speaking out when a nation’s core beliefs are being threatened, and this production highlighted that such a warning is indeed timely. The ensemble of FY dramatists, ably supported by the pupil-led technical crew, deserve high praise for presenting such a chilling, thought-provoking production. Bravo.
Keith Packham, Director of Drama
