Review- The Overcoat- Theatre du Pif
17-11-15
By: Justine Denning
The Overcoat is an adaptation of a short story of the same name, written by Ukrainian-born Russian dramatist and novelist Nikolai Gogol. This piece, performed dutifully by the company- 'Theatre du pif' will be performed as part of a school tour. Let me just say this; I hope the youngins appreciate what they're watching (I don't remember having such intense and well-tuned school hall plays when I was a child) but I digress...
The story itself is set in 19th century St.Petersburg, where bureaucratic corruption and poverty are rampant. Political and social commentary are certainly not absent in this production.
It's curious and exhilarating to note that this production is set to perform in an educational environment, for although these political themes are layered subtly (through the use of Gogol's dialogue and the direction of Bonni Chan) the political agenda which affects The Overcoat is not dissimilar to those which saturate modern day Hong Kong. Hopefully, this will leave a profound impression upon a younger generation of Hong Kong students in a manner of which only the freedom of the arts can.
Our protagonist is the dutiful Clark, Akaky. A humble, poor and dedicated copier working for the Russian Government. This naive soul is performed beautifully by Sean Curran and his supportive cast played by Anne Tam, Karen Chan, Dorothy Chu, Tomas Tse and Luke Lai who embody a range of characters, from the obnoxious colleagues of Akaky, to a corrupt and vain policeman. They are all highly believable and physical performers.
The plot revolves around (as you may have already anticipated) an overcoat. This shabby coat which protects Akaky from the brutal Russian winters can no longer shield him and he must procure enough money from his pitiful salary to buy a new one. We as an audience had a strong desire to see Akaky succeed, but as an audience member with smidge of prior knowledge of Russian stories of this era, I did not have high expectations for a happy conclusion.
Sean Curran's performance was heartfelt and honest, so much so, that I truly felt the force of the Russian wind as he battled the currents on stage, I felt his disappointment and resentment for the cruelty of his situation as his difficult life gradually fell further into despair. His old overcoat had been his security, his new one was the promise that his hard work would pay off. This was the symbol of Akaky's protection, just as the old political regime could barely defend its people, the new one seduces with false hope and expectations.
This minimalistic piece used simplistic furniture (maybe one closet and a couple of stools) and managed to portray the struggle of a very, real man. The direction and use of exaggerated characterization found a home here and I was enamored with production and the dedication of those involved. I wish them very well on a long and tiring school run. The students will not be disappointed.
The public performance of The Overcoat has now closed. It will be performing in tours at various schools and universities across Hong Kong this fall and winter. For more information, click here.
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