The 19th century storyline is merged with a modern parallel, exploring how the repression of female voices can be as prevalent today as it was over a hundred years ago
The Scottish gothic horror novella by Robert Louis Stevenson, Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde, gives modern theatre the opportunity to explore classic, celebrated literature. The tour of this production will reach 10,000 high school students across the UK. This version of the popular story merges the 19th century storyline with a parallel story taking place in modern day, exploring how the repression of female voices can be as prevalent today as it was in the 19th century. Whilst the National Theatre production, Jekyll & Hyde, brings together modern day and a classic production, the delivery falls flat with connecting audiences in a compelling way.
A highlight of the production is the clever placement of the typically hidden roles in theatre. The caged set ensures the audience focuses on the centre but on the visible perimeter the sound technicians, stage manager and other team members are visible through the whole performance. The message that it takes a community to create true art rings true.
Whilst the production aims to tackle social issues, the aggressive nature of the script and presentation of these issues seems lost on the actual problems women have faced and face today. The violent approach key characters take to achieve ‘victory’ is worrisome considering the target audience is high school students. Trigger warnings would also be appropriate for this production. There are many sensitive subjects addressed throughout the performance, sometimes in a tasteless way. The lacklustre attempt of the director informing the audience at the end of the show to speak to a trusted adult if you feel impacted seems lost and like a second thought despite what is explored.
During one of the final monologues, there is a hypocrisy that it is wrong for modern generations to be branded as having a short attention span, yet the pace of the production seems centred around quick wins and shortcuts. The use of profanities and sexual references, both verbally and physically, feel like cheap thrills to get a response from a crowd of adolescents, adding very little to the overall ambiance and causing many to cringe.
Overall, the production of Jekyll & Hyde left me anxious for the future of theatre and unsure of how theatre is being construed to modern audiences. Whilst this production would be a good experience of physically enjoying a live play with a deeper understanding of the mechanics behind the scenes, there is a hope audiences engage in other productions to truly feel the magic of theatre.