Reviewed by Regina Su
What would you do in a world of no consequence? Where nothing mattered, only the present, only the now? Would your conscience catch up to you? Does it really matter? Sydney University Dramatic Society (SUDS) presents, 'Dorian', a new Australian adaptation of Oscar Wilde's profound novel, 'The Picture of Dorian Gray'.
This production is an interesting one. Stripped back, it lays bare the experience of a man who at first seems blessed by the portrait his dear friend Basil paints of him, but later comes to realise it is nothing but a curse. This adaptation focuses more on Dorian himself, on his narcissism, and his downfall. We don't dwell on the terrible things he has done. We hear about them, but we don't see Dorian slip into a slough of indulgent despond. Instead, we see a man filled with pure arrogance and passionate vanity. Dorian, played by Tom Mendes, is acidic as he plays the perfect pied piper. He lures London's high society into the palm of his hand and lulls them to a false sense of security. And we see the countless casualties.
Dorian tries to repent, but it's too late. In fact, I'm not even sure that Mendes intended to perform a remorseful Dorian. By this stage, I could see no good in the character, no matter how hard he tried. Dorian's confidante, Lady Harriet Wotton, was perfectly spiteful, offering tainted advice and seeming to live vicariously through Dorian. Writer Nadia Bracegirdle crafted sly dialogue for Harriet, and cast Chloe Higson as this central character. I think Higson was well suited for the part and gave a stellar performance. She was slick and subtle, and even at the end, we were left with the impression that Dorian was merely a plaything.
This production at the Cellar Theatre has the play a very intimate feel. It was very cosy, with a flat stage that helped us to feel like we were voyeurs, peering into the lives of bored socialites. The magic of the production was only made possible by the transitions of scenes. As Dorian becomes more devious, his portrait changes to reflect his soul. Here, several paintings were commissioned and swapped throughout the play, revealing just how dark Dorian's soul had become. What a masterpiece that piece of art was! It gave the story a certain authenticity and honesty. A classic story of self indulgence and vanity is presented at the Cellar Theatre, asking the question; in a world without consequence, what could you get away with?
Photo by Mohamad Nahas