The Little Foxes was mind-numbingly good. It was kind of like the tingly feeling you get when you eat pop rock candy or the sensation of cotton candy dissipating in your mouth. A sense of satisfaction that is instantaneous. This is what The Little Foxes imparted to me. Instant gratification as I watched the lights cue on, the actors walk into place, and the story beginning to unfold.
The stage was meticulously arranged but to be honest no one really cared for it. Well not me anyway. I won’t go into detail describing the flashy purple walls or the gaudy chandeliers, but the L.E.D. television was something else. Did anyone else notice this? I’m no historian but I’m sure there were no L.E.D. screens in 1907. I have to say that the half-naked Horus that appeared in the beginning was just a distraction. Don’t even get me started with the poor butchered sheep. A lot had bothered me. The director had obviously wanted to create a stark interpretation of the script, but there were several nuances that were blatantly irritating. If he was attempting to avoid the problems associated with 20th century fashion why the heck would you need four theatrical chandeliers? See what I did there. Now I know I said the play was “good” but for all the right reasons a play is good. A strong standalone plot combined with several experienced actors. I still hated the props though.
As soon as the play began you were met with unique, and complex characters. The ambiguity behind the initial appearances of these characters is what makes the performance so enjoyable. As you approach the climax and ultimately the end it only got better. This was a strong incentive to keep you seated. That or make Professor Healey very angry. That would be a no-no. Many of the introductory characters put up a façade at first. As soon as the serious business was done, these very same people make a fool of themselves. Rolling around the lush carpeting. I immediately questioned the integrity of the Hubbard family. Acting in a peculiar fashion to mask your true intentions. Despicable! I hated these people. What I meant to say was characters but the acting was so good I almost started hating the people too.
I couldn’t help but cringe when Oscar beat Birdie. I wanted so badly to step onto the stage and beat the crap out of him. I know that sounds bad and is practically begging for a lawsuit but I was so won over by her character that I didn’t care. Hellman managed to capture my interest and win my heart over with this one. I felt like my heart was breaking alongside Birdie. The acting was already tearing me apart but it only got worse when the real “social issue” was brought up.
Lillian Hellman is a friggun genius. Not only was the play good, it emphasized the need for social reform. Throughout the play a caste system was developed. Men were placed on the top, women followed after and colored southerners were on the bottom. Hellman very easily indicated the inequality among the three. The n-bomb was thrown around like a casual saying. Women were being beaten every few minutes. Men were like financial kings hoarding all the money. I felt like I was thrown back to a time where racism still existed.
Correction* it still does.
This performance has taught me a good deal. How to restrain yourself against spiteful wife beaters. Oh and to appreciate your civil rights. This play was awesome, nuff’ said.
I loved your opening sentences and the candy examples you gave for how good the play was