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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 16, 2017 13:29:06 GMT
Thanks, jean! I loved the ambifuity too. And strangely it somewhat makes more sense than Sonya killing him (original ending). THIS Sonya certainly won't do such a thing. She was not a bit that hysterical as in the text or Chichester version. But she changed her mind so quickly (from "Why are you talking about the past?" to "Let's run away for good!") it wasn't very concincing to me.
I also like that in here you can cleary see that moment that triggers Platonov's hectic behaviour and thows him off balance as before Sonya's arrival he seems quite content with what he's got. It's all about making accents on the certain moments of the play I guess.
What I didn't get is how come that railway track runs so close to both Platonov's home and school he teachs in? (School especially)
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2017 15:36:48 GMT
What I didn't get is how come that railway track runs so close to both Platonov's home and school he teachs in? (School especially) Yes, I think that was clearer in the NT version - where it seemed to me they had the school back onto Platonov's house...? |
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 16, 2017 18:27:51 GMT
Yes, in NT version (just like the original text) the last scene happens back in Platonov's house (since servants are also present) but it doesn't really matter since the train is not featured in the finale anyway.
It's just the idea.. that a child can walk out of a school right into the railway track. Ludicrous.
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Post by Deleted on Jan 16, 2017 18:33:01 GMT
The "NT version" is in fact the Chichester Festival Theatre production.
The "Hampstead version" is in fact the NT version originally produced in the Lyttelton with Ian McKellen.
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2,389 posts
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Post by peggs on Jan 16, 2017 19:29:42 GMT
{Spoiler - click to view}
To reply to rumbledoll's 'spoiler' question - the night I went, it seemed Platonov was running towards the train but at the last minute put his hands up in front of him and leaned his body back, away from it.
I quite like the ambiguity of this. Was he running away blindly, stumbled across the railway track, and it was only when the train was upon him that he came to his senses and realised, too late, where he'd run? Or was he intent on suicide and that last movement was simply a natural instinct to impending impact? My feeling was the latter, but I'd be perfectly open to being persuaded it was the former! {Spoiler - click to view}
The night I went he sort of jumped out onto the track, paused and then turned around, so I was confused as to whether he was intentionally killing himself or not. Completely missed the reason for the change in his character as Sofya arrival but interesting thought. |
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Post by rumbledoll on Jan 16, 2017 20:26:17 GMT
peggs, about Sonya's arrival. She was frank enough to point out that once she thought he's up for greatness but for no good reason given up on his attempt to make the world better and settle as a regular scholar. I think that hurt her in some way as she thought he would be resposible for whatever was within him - this flame, passion to do somethin extraordinary. In turn, it hurt him as well as he suddendly realised he indeed achieved nothing but criticising around. That makes him take a hard look on himself and he doesn't like what he sees. Originally we meet him in this state of mind from a very beginning of the play. Here it was done differently and on purpose I should think.
And thanks for adding up on finale interpretation. Now I regret I haven't asked Geoffrey after what the intention of his charater was. |
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Post by peggs on Jan 16, 2017 22:00:33 GMT
Yes I do remember that frankness, I think I was rather watching thinking this is different rather than allowing for a different interpretation, but what you say Rumbledoll makes sense and adds to my experience so thanks.
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