Pillars Of The Community

Pillars Of The Community

Pillars Of The Community

Author: Henrik Ibsen (new version by Samuel Adamson)

Director: Marianne Elliot

National Theatre Production

 

Synopsis

Calamity strikes when Bernick’s business prowess and pristine reputation are threatened by the revelation of a long-buried secret. Desperate to dodge exposure in the kowtowing local community, Bernick devises a pitiless plan which, by a shocking twist of fate, risks the one life he holds dear.

The National marks the centenary of Ibsen’s death with a vital new version of this rarely performed thriller, set amid a society struggling against the rush of capitalism, the lure of America and the passionate beginnings of the fight for female emancipation.

 

Joseph Millson Role

Johan Torrensen

 

Dates

Oct '05 - Feb '06: Lyttleton Theatre

 

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National Theatre Info

Reviews

Production Images

Work Pack

Theatre Quiz (2005)

 

 

Pillars of the Community (reviews)

Olly Fox’s atmospheric music – also includes such fine actors as Lesley Manville as Karsten’s wife’s half-sister and the voice of his conscience and Joseph Millson as his wife’s brother. It’s exactly the kind of rare re-discovery the National is here to provide us with.

Whats On Stage Review Mark Shenton November 2005


Lesley Manville and Joseph Millson as the outcast relatives shine particularly brightly.

The Telegraph Charles Spencer November 2005


And there is prime support from Brid Brennan as his self-sacrificing sister who gave up life for teaching, from Joseph Millson as the angry Johan and from Michael Thomas as a pontificating teacher. But the real joy lies in seeing a virtually unknown Ibsen work rescued from the shadows and shown to be a resonant play for today

The Guardian  Michael Billington November 2005


But there is strength all round, with Lesley Manville outstanding as the ill-used Lona Hessel, Joseph Millson as Bernick’s brother-in-law, another victim of his scheming, Brid Brennan as the sister and Geraldine Alexander playing the neglected wife. This is a play which has received a new lease of life The Stage Peter Hepple 2005 But there’s also very strong support from Lesley Manville as Lona, and a moving characterisation by Joseph Millson as Johan.

Peter Brown London Theatre Guide November 2005

Pillars of the Community

 

Marianne Elliot, talented director of Josephs plays, Pillars Of The Community and Much Ado About Nothing, has won the Sydney Edwards Evening Standard Award for best director, for Pillars.

 

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