 |
The Times-Leader review of the Towngate Theatre’s
production. By Bill Cleary, November 6, 1999.
TOWNGATE’S “WINE TO BLOOD”, A TRIUMPH FOR LOCAL
THEATRE
This country is filled with people so sure they know right from
wrong they'll step in front of a bullet to prove it. Ask one of
them." So says a character is Sean O'Leary's "Wine To
Blood", currently occupying the stage at the Towngate Theatre.
The country referred to in that line is Spain and "Wine To
Blood" is set amid that most passionate and ideological of
battles, the Spanish Civil War. The right wing overthrow of a leftist
elected government provides the backdrop for the play -- soldiers
recruited out of passion and ideals instead of the draft and everyone's
intellect sorely tested by the blood and consuming terror of the
war. It is a complex and challenging play. It is also a triumph
for local theatre.
From it's opening setting in a Barcelona broadcast studio, you know
you are seeing something different at Towngate. Something organic.
The tremendous lighting and scenery are evocative of the period
and the acting is controlled and centered. The quality of the production
never lets go as scenes change from army barracks and cafes to offices
and the front lines.
The acting is, on the whole, up to the task and several performances
are superb. Special mention going to Dirk H. Roe, Steven W. Franklin,
and Hal O'Leary.
The production staff has done a remarkable job in its presentation.
Evocative and ethereal, the atmosphere and stage direction create
a quiet amongst the characters in the midst of battle. Exchanges
are intense and centered and the script is strong with mannerisms
and monologues that carry the weight of the drama.
"Wine To Blood" is said to be suggested by Orwell's "Homage
to Catalonia". Orwell along with W. H. Auden and Samuel Beckett,
was one of several literary figures who came to the aid of the Spanish
Republic. Fervent and full of ideals, these writers and supporters
gave their energy and lives to a cause that with hindsight we can
see more clearly.
Playwright Sean O'Leary has the benefit of that hindsight and he
makes the most of it. A great achievement for him and for Towngate.
Return to WINE TO BLOOD Intro 
More About WINE TO BLOOD
|
 |
Produced in November and December of 1999 at Oglebay Institute’s
Towngate Theatre