Steadstyle Chicago
	February 2010 Theatre Review by Nicholas Ryan Lamb
	The Island Athol Fugard’s “The Island” is loosely based off of the nameless prison that once held Nelson Mandela.  Two incarcerated inmates make up this play.  Both subjected to back breaking labor that at times has the two confronting each other with a sort of shovel sparring.  This creates a momentary tension between the roommates.  Opposing this day-to-day grueling monotony is a glimmer of a creative outlet.  A talent show evening is in the works.  Their participation holds a lot of meaning, as they will regale the rest of the prison from the highest official down to the lowest inmate with the tale of Sophocles’ “Antigone”.  Its political importance parallels the feelings shared by most there.  The strain on their relationship is tightened when John receives word that his sentence has been shortened to three months till freedom. The representation of John (La Shawn Banks) and Winston (Kamal Angelo Bolden) is done quite nicely.  The work with dialects shows, as it remains consistent throughout the entirety of the 90 minutes.  Their attention to pantomime was precise from believing the heaviness of the sand, use of the overflowing wheelbarrow, to the recollection of the shovel placement when returning to work.  Moments between the two had an incredible impact to the need of the script with the greatest one, ringing in my ears, Winston drilling John about what he will be going home to.  The staging was done quite nicely as to keep the gentlemen in a confined area but still enough room to share with the thrust space.  The lighting gave a nice feeling of being trapped in a windowless world and the dankness of the prison. Audibly the use of jail door sound effects was a nice touch but I would have liked a constant...something to keep the sense of a freedom less stay in “hotel hell”.  This enhancement would help the audience connect more with the importance of the script.  Additionally the pace of the show needs to be amped up.  In turn this will affect the reception of the lines to the degree that would allow for a relationship breakthrough.  Finally I had a hard time understanding why they were there.  The reference to forgetting was stated but it didn’t make sense with the other lines.  This is a weakness in the script but one that might be addressed.  This and the fact that the “Antigone”, though important to it’s relationship with “The Island”, went on for too long. I am a big fan of shows that prod your mind, which is why this show is directed for certain kinds of audiences.  I recommend that people give Fugard a chance and this is a perfect time to do so.  “The Island” is playing through March 7, 2010 at the Greenhouse Theatre Center located at 2257 N. Lincoln Ave.  Tickets can purchased by calling 773-404-7336 or going to www.remybumppo.org.    About Nicholas Ryan Lamb Nicholas Lamb is a graduate from Illinois State Universities acting program with a secondary focus on directing.  He is also a graduate from SAK Universities improv school.  As an accomplished actor he has performed in dozens of shows with his most notable credits including the title role in "Scrooge" the musical, Adan in Milcha Sanchez Scott's "Roosters" and Nicely Nicely Johnson in "Guys and Dolls".  He was last seen on stage as Matt in "The Fantasticks".  Some of his most known directing works are "Barefoot in the Park", "The Secret Garden", and the well received "Birdbath".  Not only has he worked numerously with acting and directing but his training also includes the technical areas of theatre as well as film work.  He has directed in both Illinois and Florida for over 7 years.  He most recently directed the children's shows of "Charlotte's Web", "Aladdin and the Magic Lamp", and "Pinocchio".  His palette for theatre is that of a culinary connoisseur.  Theatre is something to go in with an open mind, which is how he approaches each show he critiques.