Review: Fences (Oxford Playhouse)
August Wilson’s Fences has been brought back to the stage by Headlong, Leeds Playhouse, Lyric Hammersmith Theatre and Home Manchester. I went along to review the show at Oxford Playhouse and somehow managed to have no prior knowledge of the story, so had the pleasure of absorbing it as it unfolded before me. Before we even entered the auditorium the programme caught my eye – if you see the show I highly recommend buying one.
Entering the theatre space, the visual impact was another level altogether as the stage was taken up by the most stunning set by Lily Arnold. We were instantly transported to late 50s Pittsburgh and to a family home surrounded by the titular fences. Indeed, the majority of the action takes place within these fences, with discussion of what goes on outside of them forming part of the narrative. The lighting design (Jai Morjaria) complimented the set beautifully with use of blue and orange hues and neon strip lighting subtly donating the passing of time.
The opening – with a song - by Gabe (Simon-Anthony Rhoden) was an instant way to focus the audience’s attention. The use of music throughout the play punctuated the show nicely, almost giving you time to breath as well as being an integral part of the narrative at times. These breaks are appreciated as in essence this show is about various types of trauma; historical as well as current suffering for individuals within the family. The writing is a bit of a slow burn at the start but I feel this is intentional as the characters are gradually introduced and you form a sense of what is going on between all of them and what has brought them to this point.
Troy Maxson was born in 1904, but the play takes place in post-war 1957, against a background of rising racial tension and the civil rights movement. Troy is the patriarch of the family, played by Ray Fearon in a performance which completely focusses your attention every second he is on stage. Troy is a flawed individual in some ways but as the time goes on it becomes apparent why, as he discusses his own life and the barriers he has faced due to being black in the mid 1900s. The writing weaves around Troy revealing himself to not be a particularly likeable individual, yet the undeniable empathy for his past experiences gives a sense of internal conflict as you watch.
Madeline Appiah brings Rose to life beautifully. Rose is Troy’s wife and a caring maternal figure who somehow includes everyone with her welcoming nature. Offering food is her love language, as she generally looks after everything around the home and the people in it. Rose’s energy bounces off of Troy’s perfectly. Rose is an easy person to like and feel empathy for but in the second half it becomes apparent how incredibly strong this character is and she steals some of these scenes with some of the decisions she makes.
Then we have Gabe, Troy’s brother who was injured during the war. Formerly having lived with the family in a home bought using his payout following his injury, he is now determined to live independently – but unable to do so without incident. This character is portrayed wonderfully by Simon-Anthony Rhoden.
Troy’s sons Lyons (Michael Ahomka-Lindsay) and Cory (Josh Tedeku) enable us to learn more about the family dynamics. Lyons is a talented musician and Cory has a potential career ahead of him in pro football, however Troy’s own life experiences mean his support for both of them is lacking. His friend Jim Bono (Everal A Walsh) seems to be the only adult who can question Troy on some aspects of his life without incident. His presence enables us to learn more about Troy’s own backstory as the pair chat.
Directed by Daniel Bailey, with movement direction by Shelly Maxwell and fight direction by Kev McCurdy, the interactions between each of the characters feel genuine and impactful and it has to be said that the casting by Heather Basten is exceptional throughout.
This production of Fences is one where every element excels. It’s a classic text brought alive for a new audience and carefully presented for people who are familiar with it and those new to the story alike. I highly recommend seeing this production if you get the chance.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fences is showing at Oxford Playhouse until Saturday 3 October. The tour then continues to London, Manchester and Nottingham.
If you would like to see my curtain call photographs from this and other shows, please visit my Instagram.
I was gifted tickets for this show in exchange for an honest review.
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