Review: Mr Happiness and The Water Engine @ Old Vic Tunnels
This David Mamet double bill, presented by Theatre6, is performed in the brand new space within the Old Vic Tunnels, the Screening Room, and is both witty and poignant, set against an atmospheric backdrop.
Pulitzer Prize-winning Mamet’s classic plays are both directed by Kate McGregor, adding immediate connections and a sense of consistency to the productions. Originally written as radio plays, theatre and radio are consequently combined in the transfer from Mr Happiness into The Water Engine.
The show opens with the 25 minute monologue, Mr Happiness, introducing the evening’s constant themes of links and trust within society. As an old-school American agony-uncle of Old Time Radio, Mr Happiness receives numerous letters every week sent to Chicago, home of the world’s biggest post office. Mr Happiness works to solve problems from across the country, injecting dry humour – and at times exasperation – into his replies. Although unclear at first, the importance of the postal system is later revealed in The Water Engine, where the message “all people are connected” is really driven home.
Olivier Award-nominated David Burt plays Mr Happiness and later becomes a subtle driving force in The Water Engine, manipulating protagonist Charles Lang (Jamie Treacher) throughout the production. This radio thriller presents Lang as a young and perhaps overly trusting inventor, having created an engine that runs solely on water. To protect both his engine and his sister Rita (Anna Maguire), Lang must overcome lawyers and police to give his machine to the world.
Specific to the production, Theatre6 boasts live sound effects as one of Mamet’s personal requests, remaining true to authentic, live radio work. The ensemble has much to be praised for and the sound effect artists add much grounding and realism to the work. Live instruments were used for fixed musical motifs and also as percussive tools, developing the atmosphere and bringing the water engine to life. The experiments used to create authentic sounds paid off, demonstrating the versatility and talent of the performers, taking on two or three roles within a short time period.
The importance of the delicate balance between science and faith is just one of the conclusions that could be drawn when departing from the Tunnels. Attracting awareness or being anonymous was also a key element running throughout the dialogue. This reminded the audience of just how relevant these realistic works are today, considering sustainable energy and corrupt systems, and working towards a greater good.
The Screening Room at the Old Vic Tunnels is programmed and run entirely by the Old Vic Tunnels volunteers, opening up creation for young people and providing numerous opportunities. This particular production has seen volunteer roles in casting, set design, production, assistant directing and sound/music design. Since February 2010, the Old Vic Tunnels has worked with over 800 young adults and provided 32 internships with no age limit or previous experience requirements. This alone demonstrates a promising message for smaller voices, perhaps something Charles Lang would have welcomed.
Mr Happiness and The Water Engine runs until 9 July. For information on how to volunteer at the venue, visit www.oldvictunnels.com/volunteers/
Jessica Wilson TheatreFix Reviewer
Posted: June 15th, 2011 under Jessica - Intern about Town!, Play Reviews, TheatreFix.
Comments
Comment from Jessica
Time June 16, 2011 at 22:47
Hi Lawrence,
Thanks for your comment. The point I was trying to convey was that although they are not ideal circumstances, they must be endured in order to progress within the arts industry. Talent is still present, paid or otherwise, and I feel these young people should be championed for their hard work and passion. I hope one day there will be more jobs within the sector that will mean interning is not the only way into the profession. It seems enthusiasm overrides the importance of getting paid in this instance, in order to gain the experience so we can be involved more in the future.
Jessica
Comment from Peter
Time June 20, 2011 at 15:11
I’m probably sticking my thoughts in where they’re not wanted, but Lawrence it does seem a bit odd to suggest we shouldn’t praise the work of unpaid interns. I could understand it if you were attacking the people that set up the internships, but it just seems to undermine newcomers even further if we refuse to judge their work and praise it where praise is due. Does working for nothing mean your work is automatically praiseless?
Also personally if i thought i could get skills and the possibility of working in an area i desperately wanted to work in and there seemed no other way of doing it, I would work at McDonalds or nike for free. Obviously Nike and McDonalds would have to be offering something that i thought was worth giving up my time for and, more importantly, the time i’d have to spend earning money elsewhere.
I do agree that many internships can be exploitative and take more than they give (especially ones that are full time and go on for months; where you are in effect doing an actual role for nothing), but still i don’t think its as black and white as your post implies.
Comment from Jessica
Time August 19, 2011 at 15:34
Peter, thanks for your message. It is very unfortunate these are the circumstances that must be endured but I believe the end result will promise greater things from working for nothing and learning a great deal. Working for nothing also proves there is commitment, dedication and passion for the role, enabling the intern to gain the relevant experience that will mean they might have a chance of getting a job from the disastorous market.
Comment from Lawrence
Time June 16, 2011 at 11:12
So let me get this straight Jessica, you’re an unpaid intern raving about how good productions are that are put on with the help of unpaid interns.
Would you like to come and work for McDonalds or Nike for free?