Tess at Peacock Theatre

Thomas Hardy’s Tess of the d’Urbervilles gets a unique adaptation by production company Ockham’s Razor, a contemporary circus collective.

The piece is split into seven parts – same as the book – and at a length of two hours 30 mins with a 20-minute interval, it is a rather extensive performance, reflecting Hardy’s novel, which runs at nearly 600 pages.

Macadie Amoroso is Tess Durbeyfield, our narrator, who does a good job in her role, adding pathos. Unfortunately, some of the script is lost in the large space due to the sound design. Hardy used his heroines as a way to reveal the hypocrisy of Victorian morality, and this is especially significant in Tess of the D’Urbervilles, portrayed effectively by Lila Naruse as the dancer in the title character.

Circus choreography and physical theatre work well to depict the novel’s themes, and what stands out is the incredible bodily strength of the cast, as they somersault, cartwheel and wield each other over heads and shoulders effortlessly. Set design, though minimal in colour with beiges and creams, consists of planks of wood that at various times are fit into each other akin to jigsaw puzzles, culminating in bold structures, like the foundation of a house, that the actors use for their physical theatre artistry. Another element to note is that the cast themselves build these pieces. Holly Khan’s composition is atmospheric and striking, mirroring the confident moves of the ensemble.

When antagonist Alec D’Urberville (Joshua Frazer) enters the scene, it is with a large golden Cyr wheel, utilising it smoothly to carry out seamless acrobatics, and effectively entrapping Tess. These chorographies are threaded through the fabric of the novel, as we see Hardy’s words play out. A great deal of empathy is felt for Tess, and hatred for Alec, which is counteracted, although briefly, when she meets Angel (Nat Whittingham), as once again we see the double standards between the genders; the fifth phase titled The Woman Pays is still as prevalent as ever. 

Okham’s Razor are known for their joyous productions, and somehow they manage to incorporate this in Tess, particularly in the scenes when the the milkmaids gush over Angel. Nonetheless, at the heart of this original piece is an evident darkness, through which Tess’ determination shines light on the hypocrisies and posturing of Victorian puritanical society.

Selina Begum
Images: Kie Cummings

Tess is at Peacock Theatre from 31^st January until 3^rd February 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here. For more information about the upcoming tour, visit here.