Music Monday - The use of popular music in adaptations of classic plays.

On Saturday evening we attended a performance of Checkov’s The Cherry Orchard, presented by Black Swan State Theatre Company. The performance took place in one of the buildings and in the grounds of the Sunset Precinct, a heritage site in Dalkeith in Perth.

This is not a review of the play as such but some observations about the extensive use of pop music from the 1980s in this production, which was modernised and set in that decade in Manjimup, WA - the Western Australian cherry-growing district. (Ironically, the food and drinks served at interval remained distinctly Russian.)

Music was used to create context, develop a sense of character and to create a sense of place and time. The audience responded positively to the music and often seemed eager to tap, clap and even sing along. The choices of songs were recognisable, enhancing the audience’s identification and enjoyment. There were some terrible songs written in the 1980s – did we need to be reminded?!

In music theatre, music advances character and situations. Does it work the same way in a straight play? It is a fine balance. Get the balance wrong and music could be seen as just filling time. There were a few times on Saturday when I felt this was the case.

Music can also create mood and atmosphere. It was interesting in this performance, that the final act was without music. In a film there would have been underscoring throughout this scene. However, strangely, I found this final act the most satisfying of the performance.

I guess the challenge for a director is to know when to pull back.