REVIEW: THE CORAL by Georg Kaiser at Finborough Theatre 4 – 29 October 2022

‘viscerally distinctive interpretation of Georg Kaiser’s masterpiece’ ★★★ ½

Georg Kaiser’s 1917 expressionist play, not seen for 100 years, receives the attention it deserves in this dynamic production. The themes feel really fresh, with capitalism, the desire to make wealth being under scrutiny in this play. 

An industrialist, having risen from poverty is determined to keep growing his empire whilst his employees live in hardship. His daughters are disgusted with their father’s greed and want to change the status quo. His secretary who is, in appearance, identical to himself, doles out nominal sums of money to supplicants, on his behalf.  Their likeness is so keen, that they are impossible to tell apart, but when one shoots the other, who remains behind?

There is a lot to admire about the production, the design concept, the physical theatre and the music composition all combine to give a viscerally fascinating interpretation.  Stuart Laing as the Millionaire is pitch perfect, and Joanne Marie Mason makes an impressive professional debut as the older daughter.  Other performances seemed a little uneven at times but it’s always rewarding to see how these develop over the four-week run.  

The direction from Emily Louizou, founder of London-based and female-led Collide Theatre, was pacey with an overall concept which was very promising, although the show was not entirely successful in all areas.  Whilst the costume design was ideal, the execution of the costumes could be improved (for example, a tie out of place can seem to have meaning, so attention to detail is rather important). A pity too, that the Millionaire and his doppelganger could not have been the same height and build, which seemed a gaping flaw in the production. 

Overall, an enjoyable experience, with a distinctive style from the company which promises much for its future.

Photography: Marshall Stay

THE CORAL by Georg Kaiser

Translated by B.J.Kenworthy

at Finborough Theatre 4 – 29 October 2022

https://finboroughtheatre.co.uk/production/the-coral/

Directed and Adapted by

EMILY LOUIZOU

Set and Costume Design

IOANA CURELEA

Movement Direction

IOLI FILIPPAKOPOULOU

Music Composition

DAVID DENYER

Lighting Designer

AMY HILL

Cast

STUART LAING

JOANNE MARIE MASON

ESME SCARBOROUGH

ADAM WOOLLEY

ARIELLE ZILKHA

Reviewed by Heather Jeffery, Editor of London Pub Theatres Magazine