'The Triumph Of Man' is a gripping satirical political drama, set in a caricatured dystopian dictatorship.
According to one of the characters, the setting is a small but not unimportant country. The playwright, James Watson, has stated that although fictional, the play is influenced by a true story about the kidnapping and forced performances of two filmmakers in North Korea.
The interpersonal and political dynamics portrayed are reminiscent of the effects of oppressive regimes on their citizens, leading to widespread disaffection. It captures the isolationism and slow annihilation of attempts at far-reaching power and control. The play explores ideas around propaganda, totalitarianism, resistance and self-sacrifice. There are displays of anti-immigrant rhetoric, fear-mongering and demagoguery which are relevant to many governments in recent times. Furthermore, it explores the corrupting influence of control on artistic endeavours.
The play also illustrates well the paranoia that comes with tyranny and internal conflict that occurs in oppressive regimes. It highlights the dysfunction in both the wider society and the personal life of the dictator, General Ferdinand, and his unfortunate confidants. Ferdinand is a highly narcissistic character, who is insecure and dependent on the unquestioning loyalty and praise from those around him. Anyone who shows disloyalty, or becomes the subject of his paranoia, is cast out or killed, after he declares ‘I do not know this person’. Ferdinand’s wife Ivana bears the brunt of the dictator’s cruelty, despite his brutal treatment of everyone in the regime, but Ivana shows an unyielding strength and determination.
In spite of the dark subject matter, the play has many comedic moments, including some of the fight scenes, the absurdity of the characters and the politics of the regime. It has an element of shock value that was comedically entertaining. The play balances realism with surrealism effectively. This is assisted by the excellent performances of the actors. General Ferdinand played by Yoz Mensch is a riveting and disturbing character and Poppy Mee and Grace Boyle give standout performances in multiple roles.
There are smooth transitions between scenes, lighting is used well, and the intermission and ending of the play are well timed. One downside is the venue layout, which led to the audience looking back and forth a lot as though at a tennis match.
'The Triumph Of Man' plays RUMPUS Theatre (Adelaide) until 26 September.
