SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER – Tennessee Williams’ plays are as relevant now as they were last mid-century. One reason is his ability to write about the human condition – fragility, desperation, shame and the complexities of love. SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER is undoubtedly, one of his most revered and memorable pieces of work.
Williams’ deeply personal and disturbing family experiences seem to fuel the torment that propels this 1957 play. Director Shaun Rennie writes in his program note that Williams’ sister Rose “suffered from mental illness and was one of the first people in America to receive a prefrontal lobotomy, authorised by their mother, Edwina, without Williams’ consent”.
What stops SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER from being “morose in subject matter” is its lively and eloquent dialogue, especially from the missing son, Sebastian Venable’s ageing, sharp-witted mother, Mrs Violet Venable, (played with contagious charm and charisma by Belinda Giblin). She is another of Williams’ ever-present powerful and dominating female characters. Perhaps not unlike his own mother Edwina.
Violet’s niece Catharine, (Andrea Demetriades), arrives with her mother, Mrs Holly, (Valerie Bader) and her brother George, (Socratis Otto). They join the Doctor, (Remy Hii), and Sister Felicity, (Kate Skinner). Violet has already set the Doctor up to perform a lobotomy on Catharine – to “shut her up” – after offering him a generous donation to his psychiatric research. Violet has also convinced Mrs Holly and George to silence Catharine or she’ll keep the will in probate.
The Doctor decides to give Catharine a truth serum and secrets are unleashed.
Demetriades gives a magnetic and passionate performance as Catharine, another great Williams female character.
The supporting cast are great as is direction by Shaun Rennie.
The 1930s costumes are beautifully created by Simone Romaniuk. Her set design is minimalist, but effective with the lit plant boxes doubling as seats.Lighting by Morgan Moroney and Composition/Sound Design by Kelly Ryall enhance the production.
SUDDENLY LAST SUMMER is an epic Tennessee Williams play and one not to be missed. Enticing language and the passionate storyline is delightful. Playing at the Ensemble Theatre, Kirribilli, until 10th June 2023.
