GOOD PERFORMANCES IN A WORN OUT PLAY

By
Mary Lewis
-

About the article

This is a digitised version of an article from The Cayman Compass's print archive. Occasionally, the digitisation process introduces transcription errors, or other problems.

See the article in its original context from December 1972.

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The Cayman Drama Society can once again be justly proud of yet another fine production. Their interpretation of "My Three Angles," a comedy by Sam and Bella Spewack, presented at the George Town Hall this week, was a credit to all those involved, even though the play and humour were so out of date the cast found it difficult to exploit their acting talents. John Furze takes top honours for his performance as Joseph, convict 30 11, although at times when listening to John's strong cockney accent one couldn't help but feel the action was taking place in Stepney rather than French Guiana! John's bubbling dialogue and expressive action were almost definitely achieved by his complete involvement in his "funny-guy" part. John Cohen and Richard Graham-Taylor complemented the "old lags" convict trio, but didn't quite shed their everyday respectability to take on the vital Roguish qualities needed for the portrayal of Jules and Alfred.

However their performances gathered momentum and authenticity during the final act and positively shone when they were faking a mock trial for Gaston Lemare's "Crimes against Humanity." John Cohen's characterization as the judge was very funny. Hazel Mackenzie and Mike Austin provided direct and proficient interpretations of Emilie Dulay and Felix her husband, although one feels that Emilie could have been portrayed with a more dynamic personality.

One feels she should have displayed more of a sense of urgency being concerned about redeeming her husband from the doom and despair of managing an unprofitable and crumbling business. Kathy Burns as Marie Louis, the Dulay's daughter, gave an adorable debut performance.

Her facial expression was so superb, at times it took precedence over her dialogue and movement. Roderick Donaldson made a fabulous lecherous old villain as Gaston Lemare, the domineering uncle, and Keith Ball yet again gave a highly competent performance as Paul Cassagon, Gaston's nephew. Keith captured the part as simpering and effeminate Paul very well... so well, in fact, one can't imagine why the pretty Louis ever fell in love with him! Jill Knights provided a small but well presented touch to the play as Madame Parole, the pompous self-righteous and scheming old colonial. Tony Staples looking extremely handsome as Sub-Lieutenant Espoir, made a brief entry on stage but concluded the performance with charm and a dash of intrigue and speculation as to the future of Marie Louis! Andrew Jackson directing the play executed the action very well as proved by the subtle use of physical and psychological partner and group relationships. His awareness and use of the various levels through which the action flowed came over exceedingly clearly.

It was obvious, too, that full use was made of the available stage area. Finally a mention for Mr. Ian Stansfield, who designed and built the set. A very commendable job by Mr. Stansfield, without whose efforts the play would not have been the success it was.