Jo Turbitt has high praise for the recent NT production, seen as an NT Live broadcast.
Everyman: a massive concept and idea which has been skilfully explored by its creative team. Taking inspiration from medieval literature and the characters of God, Death and the Common Man, looking at how life is lived and the inherent paths that our choices lead us on, Everyman examines how 21st century living, with all it’s fast-paced “live for the moment” ethos, doesn’t and won’t keep us from the inevitable natural course of life.
If anything, it might mean that we reach the end quicker. A tad morbid, but it makes you think.
Carol Ann Duffy’s writing is exciting, taking a big dose of Neil Gaiman’s dark modern fantasy and a large helping of Shakespeare’s phrasing but producing an original script in her own voice with a delicious mix of modern prose, provoking reflections and coarse conversation. It has a vibrancy and energy running throughout it, which gives drive and inspiration to the staging and direction of the work.
Rufus Norris (director) and Javier De Frutos (choreographer/movement director) are a dream team for theatre. The staging segues from section to section with grace, and the principles and ensemble work seamlessly together, manipulating the stage, the atmosphere and the energy as a company.
Chiwetel Ejiofor leads the cast with a humble force and has a strong presence—a very talented and captivating actor. Never offstage, he drives through the script—scooping you up into his story and encouraging audiences to find empathy as he bargains with God and Death.
This show hits all the right notes in the right way.
Everyman was seen at the Edinburgh Festival Theatre as an NT Live broadcast on July 16, 2015. For further details, including future screenings, check the website.
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