'National Theatre Live: Les Blancs' (2020)
Opening thoughts: It does help that the play, Lorraine Hansberry's last and the play that she considered her most important, is a riveting one. The powerful and still relevant subject matter and the richness of the character writing really grip emotionally. 'Les Blancs' does deserve to be known a lot more and of the plays introduced to me recently that aren't favourites to perform it is one of the best. Have always gotten a lot of pleasure watching the National Theatre cinema broadcasts so that was another reason to see the production.
This production of 'Les Blancs' is fantastic in every aspect. This is the third production seen of Yael Farber, after 'Salome' and 'The Crucible'. In comparison to those two productions, 'Les Blancs' isn't quite as outstanding as 'The Crucible' though it is very close. It is though significantly better than the disappointing 'Salome', which just didn't come together for me. Come together this production did wonderfully, and it couldn't have been a more ideal performance of the play.
Good things: Everything. Visually, the production is very striking and very rich in atmosphere. Especially the lighting. The use of music is truly haunting while also stirring, really making a huge amount of impact and authenticity while not being over-used or heavy-handed. Hansberry's prose is still tear inducing, hard hitting and inspirational.
Farber's stage direction is always tasteful while also creative. Had no issue following the story or understanding what Farber was trying to say, both of which big problems in 'Salome'. Farber does an exceptional job at making the drama wrench the gut and always boldly arresting (even in the slighter story stretches), nothing felt self indulgent here and nothing felt too careful. The drama is hard hitting and moving as ought and is as relevant now as it has always been for generations.
All the performances are outstanding, especially the edge of the seat one of Danny Sapani with a truly moving Sian Phillips (far from passive here) close behind. James Fleet is noble and conflicted in an affecting way. The character interaction often sears, and it will be hard to forget the ending and the number of tears it induced for me.
Closing thoughts: In conclusion, fantastic.
10/10.
