Orlando

The story of Orlando as conceived by Virginia Woolf in her influential novel is very mystical in its exploration of gendered identity positions across history. The idea of an individual spirit remaining unaltered and undefined by gender is beautifully explored in this story. The book has been transformed into a film and various stage productions including opera. Antipodes Theatre Company now imagines this iconic tale as a musical.  

This production is approached with a strong connection to the novel and especially its mystical elements. The five performers: Marty Alix (they/them), Manali Datar (she/her), Louie Dalzell (he/him), Willow Sizer (they/them) and Kikki Temple (she/her) are all Orlando and all not Orlando at various points throughout the performance. Each brings a different perspective to the character and beautifully facilitates an exploration of the fluidity of gender that Woolf captures in her novel.

This production focuses on key elements of the story such as Orlando’s time as a young aristocrat and lover of Queen Elizabeth, his amorous adventures with Sasha, a Russian princess who breaks his heart, his conflictual relationship with the poet Nick Greene, the preservation of his poem The Oak Tree, falling in love with Captain Nicholas, his transformation into a woman and the marriage to Marmaduke Bonthrop Shelmerdine, Esquire.

The music composed by Lewindon is a perfect interpretation and is imaginative in its evocation of the mystical and melodic atmosphere. Lewindon and Sizer's lyrics also add to the transcendental style of storytelling and the execution of all the musical elements are simply divine. As the musicians Lewindon and Imogen Cygler are somewhat relegated to a corner of the stage but their performances, along with the off-stage vocalists, are in perfect harmony with the cast. Collectively, as an ensemble, they produce some delightfully exquisite music and song.

This is all strongly supported by a set which features an alluring rock pool combined with moody and ethereal lighting and staging techniques. The costuming implies the practical and adventurous nature of Orlando and the various geographical and historical locations visited in the story. This allows the tale and its protagonists to drift and meander across different times and places. While this makes the narrative somewhat obscure, especially for those unfamiliar with the text, it is nonetheless appreciable and enjoyable.

This transformation of Orlando into a musical is incredibly apt and encapsulates the essence of the novel in an extraordinarily precise manner.

Patricia Di Risio 

Photographer: Angel Leggas at 3 Fates Media.