Strange and wonderful
Cloud 9
By Caryl Churchill
Directed by Frank McNamara and John Rado
New Theatre, 542 King St, Newtown
Friday-Sunday until May 8
Reviewed by Betty Downie
This play about sexual politics draws a parallel between colonial and sexual oppression.
The first act takes place in Victorian colonial Africa, the second in London in 1979. The characters, by some strange magic, are only 25 years older in the second act.
Clive, played by David Ritchie, is the typical "white man" of the period, imposing his ideals on his family and the natives.
Caryl Churchill emphasises the male sexual domination of the time by allocating the part of Betty, Clive's wife, to a man — because she wants to be what men want her to be. Similarly Joshua, the black servant, is played by a white man because he wants to be what whites want him to be. Edward, clive's son, is played by a woman, upon whom Clive tries to impose traditional male behaviour.
Clive's efforts to make his family and friends fit his ideals are made difficult by the homosexuality of his friend Harry Bagley. The homosexual theme is carried on by the love of Ellen, the governess, for her mistress and the relationship between young Edward and Harry Bagley.
The second act shows the changes in attitude towards sexuality and the weakening of authoritarianism. Victoria, Clive's daughter, a doll in the first act, is now 25. Betty, the submissive young wife of the first act, is an independent middle-aged woman. She has become real to herself, and so the part is played by a woman.
The actors do a splendid job in making this strange and controversial play accessible. The two directors are to be congratulated on the result. Don't miss it!