Raw. Real. Passionate. Nuanced. These are all words I would use to describe the performances in Ivo van Hove’s production of “Little Foxes.” From the moment the starkly bright lights flicked on and the play began, I could feel the foreboding tension in the air. That feeling never really left me throughout the entire play. Van Hove does an excellent job at creating a certain atmosphere for the audience. An example of this was the music in the back round and the erratic patterns it had. Whenever a fight was building up, (which was very often), I would hear the tickling of the background music getting louder and louder and louder. I would have to hold my heart in place at some points to prevent it from falling out. It’s interesting because I can’t really remember the exact melody I am referring to; all I know is how it made me feel. There was also this song that was played at the end, twice I believe, that I am extremely curious about. It seemed really modern and actually had words. I wonder what the significance of it was. Hmm.
A character in the play I took a special interest was Birdie. When all the characters entered the main stage she was the one I couldn’t help but notice. Even before their personalities came out, the red dress she wore completely popped. I soon realized that Birdie’s dress was singled out, just like her character. At first, Birdie just flutters along, all happy and delightful (hence the name BIRDie). I felt this extremely romantic vibe coming from her. Youthful almost. I didn’t feel this from any other character. When Regina and Birdie are laughing aimlessly on the plush floor, the scene felt reminiscent of The Great Gatsby, by F. Scott Fitzgerald. The sense of being rich and rolling around speaking about dreams and wishes, really made me think of Daisy Buchanan. The actress, who plays Birdie, Tina Benko, was able to shape Birdie and take her into a different realm then Daisy. As the play develops, Birdie’s character darkens as wounds are opened. Ms. Benko captivated me with her performance because of her ability to delicately unearth a sadness and desperation in Birdie.
Something I felt reinforced the strong performances was the environment of play. Most of the scenes took place in this vast purple plush room. This is not just a room; it is a playground for the characters. In every scene, I was able to find someone on the floor or up against the walls. Whether they were gentle or harsh, pounding or caressing, there was something to be said for these actions. They were the little foxes themselves. I think this single location is a microcosm for these people’s primitive and egocentric views. They are boxed with in their home, and the selfish life they know, and are unable to open their eyes. When they pound against the surfaces, they are subconsciously trying to escape their own boundaries.
A line that I found profound was the one that said something along the lines of, ‘There are those that eat the earth and there are those who simply sit and watch.’ This idea divides the characters in this production. There are the Hubbard siblings and then there is Alexandra and Horace. Throughout the play, Alexandra and Horace just sit and watch as their family consumes everything around them, from their business ventures to the people in their own lives. Alexandra and Horace’s development in the end is comforting. They each escape the confines of the plush, purple walls. Horace dies and Alexandra defiantly leaves. At least at the end, they are no longer sitting and watching their family of Little Foxes.
You are always so descriptive, I love that about your writing. You made it as interesting to read your review as it was to watch the actual play!