By Cal
Link: https://www.redbulltheater.com/paradise-lost
Available until: 12.30am GMT on Saturday 17th April/7.30 EST on Friday 16th April. Part 2 is on Monday 26th/Tuesday 27th April and will also be available for 4 days.
Paradise Lost is known as an epic poem in blank verse by John Milton about the story of Adam and Eve, also featuring various other characters which most people will recognise. The Red Bull Theater present an adaptation by Michael Barakiva, who also directs this production.
I’ve never read Paradise Lost so I don’t know how close it is to the original, but most of the people in the live chat seem considerably more well-read than I am and they made various interesting points, including the fact John Milton originally envisaged his story as a play (although he did have plans to write an epic poem, these were traditionally written about Kings and Queens so his subject of choice was King Arthur; however, this seems not to have been written). Another person in the live text commented that the poem is very dramatic in style and is reminiscent of a play.
As I said, I don’t have the necessary knowledge to compare it to the poem, but the adaptation certainly works well as a play. There is a very large cast of characters with two main storylines, one about Satan and the other about Adam and Eve. Satan and the other fallen angels have been banished from Heaven, but it seems they can still get to Earth and Satan decides he will do exactly that. Satan’s followers include many whose names are familiar: Beelzebub, Moloch, Mammon and Belial.
Meanwhile, Adam and Eve are enjoying the Garden of Eden. Their story is slightly different from the traditional one as they do have a romantic and sexual relationship, but they are innocent in that they lack knowledge. Eve is not so much weak as curious about what else there might be besides the garden. Adam is perhaps not so much virtuous as perfectly happy with the way things are.
As the title implies, this play only tells half the story with Part 2 following in two weeks’ time. Michael Barakiva leaves us with an intriguing cliffhanger and even though I do know what is likely to happen next, it will be very interesting to find out if that is what happens. For now, Part 1 is very enjoyable and intriguing with some really strong performances from the actors.
It was slightly confusing as some of the characters seemed to change the names on their screens, even when they were playing the same character, but I hope I haven’t made any stupid mistakes.
Saidah Arrika Ekoluna has a dominant presence as God. Even when she’s just sitting there, waiting for her cue, there’s a strong sense of power. Daniel José Molina doesn’t have a big role as the Son, but he’s wonderfully-characterised and seems both anxious about his future role and determined to do what is required of him. Sam Morales’ Michael is intelligent and passionate in his beliefs.
Gregory Linington is another potent presence as Satan, frightening when he needs to be but often simply enjoying himself in a fairly quiet and deeply disturbing way. Jason Butler Harner’s Lucifer is scheming, but his jealousy makes him seem surprisingly human. Robert Cuccioli, Stephen Bel Davies and Howard Overshown make a fine trio of followers, with Robert also an incredibly creepy Death. Carol Halstead embodies Sin perfectly – she’s scary but seductive.
In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve are both fantastic. Sheldon Best is so wonderfully relaxed and normal (I hate that word, but I hope you know what I mean) and really likeable as Adam and it works brilliantly because it shows how much like us he is and that what happens to him would probably have happened to us too. Gisela Chípe’s Eve is full of wonder and curiosity and it’s really endearing. Though I imagine that will fade once she learns the truth.
Paradise Lost Part 1 is really enjoyable and if
you’re thinking of reading the epic poem, this might be a good place to start
if you’re usually more of a play person than a poem person. I’m looking forward
to Part 2.
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