Springs External

American playwright Susan Glaspell’s last play Springs Eternal sets off Sam Walters last season as Artistic Director at Orange Tree Theatre in Richmond, and is very appropriate in a time when talk of world war is upon us yet again. Written in 1943, the play questions the tension between our shared humanity and conflicting politics, religious convictions, and morals and values globally. Where war should bring a sense of togetherness and understanding countrymen alike, Springs Eternal explores close relationships in wartime and how it can tear loved ones apart.

Scandal hits the Higgenbothems as the family gathers to discover that young Dottie is presumably eloping with the much older Stewie. During wartime, when values and beliefs are tested and morals bent, the past, present and future collide, and family and friends have to come to terms with the effects the war has on their lives.

Orange Tree Theatre is one of those hidden pearls in London theatre-life. A permanent theatre-in-the-round is bound to excite and intrigue its audience. Breaking the classical staging of plays with audiences sitting at all angles is challenging but also delightfully liberating. Staging a family war-drama at this venue suits the play beautifully and makes the performance dynamic, and full of intention and drive. It is clear that director Sam Walters has lived and breathed this venue, and his production feels organic and intimate. The cast establish their relationships well, and all show depth and skill, especially Miranda Foster who is delightfully senseless and passionate as the flimsy Harry.

That said, the story is not always clear and it feels like the cast loses its drive and clarity as the story unfolds, alongside the American accent which comes and goes as it pleases with almost every cast member. At times arguments are repeated and the narrative circles for a bit, leaving the audience waiting for the play to move on. However it has great moments of truth, depth and thought-provoking arguments which make Springs Eternal a play not to be left behind. Dialogue is everything and arguments are in the heat of things, which is very life-like and exciting to experience. Katy Mills’s design suits the space and period well, and Sam Walters’s  production is a well-executed tribute to the great and slightly forgotten playwright Susan Glaspell.

Springs Eternal is playing at Orange Tree Theatre until 19 October. For more information and tickets, see the Orange Tree Theatre website. Photo by Robert Day.