RUTHERFORD AND SON
National Theatre
28 May - 3 August 2019
Director | Polly Findlay
Writer | Githa Sowerby
Set Design | Lizzie Clachan
Lighting Designer | Charles Balfour
Sound Designer | Paul Arditti
CAST
Roger Allam
Joe Armstrong
Anjana Vasam
Harry Hepple
Barbara Marten
Justine Mitchell
Sally Rogers
Sam Troughton
In this world, director Polly Findlay (and movement director Polly Bennett) orchestrate a subtle dance of meaning; where people sit, and when they sit or stand, create an undertow of significance. When a drunken mother (Sally Rogers) comes to plead against the dismissal of her son, she literally hovers on the steps into the room, not quite sure if she is allowed to enter. Her revelation of a crucial plot point comes when she finally takes off her coat and sits down. Similarly, the family's shifting relationships as they struggle for air against Rutherford's oppressive rule are beautifully observed. Findlay's direction is full of small, telling details that explain unmarried daughter Janet's heartfelt cry: "It's like a prison. There's not a scrap of love in the whole house."
Sarah Crompton, Whatsonstage ****