Review: ARCADIA, Old Vic Theatre

Photo credit: Manuel Harlan

An intellectually ambitious exploration of time and human curiosity, where past and present collide within a single space.

Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia is a complex play that presents people in two time periods: an English country house in the early 1800s and the same location in the current day, and explores time, love, science and knowledge. As the two timelines intertwine, the notion of truth and time are shown as unstable and constantly evolving.

The Old Vic’s production of Arcadia establishes a cool, cerebral atmosphere, represented effectively through Guy Hoare’s lighting design, which sets the tone immediately with the over stage lighting, and plays a critical role in the storytelling, subtly presenting the passing of time and period shifts. Light is cleverly used to reflect the change, discovery and decay of this play.

Alex Eales’ set design is minimal though rich. The same set is used for both time frames, even in moments when both timeframes exist on the stage simultaneously. This reflects the layered nature of time, with the past influencing the present. By maintaining the set and having a circular layout, Stoppard’s idea that curiosity and intellectual passion repeat across generations is reflected, a clever and subtle choice.

This is a dialogue-heavy play, and the writing is playful, witty and dense. Interestingly, the rhythm and style of speech changes markedly between the two time periods, re-establishing the time shifts, despite the unchanging set, along with the costume changes, altered mannerisms and behaviours. This simplicity of the complex transitions is effective.

The acting from every cast member is strong, though many characters do begin to blend together which is possibly due to the nature of the play. One notable standout is Prasanna Puwanarajah, whose comedic presence holds the stage and provides moments of relief within the intensity.

Arcadia at the Old Vic is thoughtfully staged and intellectually ambitious. While occasionally challenging, its layered design, sharp dialogue and exploration of time, knowledge and curiosity will reach many audience members.

*** Three stars

Reviewed by: Alexandra Tullah

Arcadia plays at London’s Old Vic Theatre until 21 March, with further info here.