Do we really need another production of the Dickens Classic “Great Expectations” asks Paul Smalley?
Well this adaptation transposes ourselves from the mid 19th Century of Kent and London to the attempted partiton of Bengal by the British Empire and the depths of Calcutta in 1905, with you immediately being in a theatre of atmospheric haunting music and wafting smells of incense.
We meet our main character Pipli as a young orphaned boy, playing boyish games whilst living with his sister Krishna and her husband the cobbler Jagu who frequently spoils him much to the annoyance of Krishna.
Pipli comes across Malik an escaped prisoner and immediately the fear is evident but although threatened Pipli also feels sadness and steals food to give to Malik.
Pipli’s life then changes when he is given the opportunity to play in the house of Miss Haversham, a bitter, rich, laudanum addict, white woman born in India who owns substantial land and a large house that became hers when ditched at the alter in her earlier years.
Pipli here meets Estella, Miss Haversham’s adopted daughter of mixed race.
A friendship is evident with Pipli showing an immediate liking, whilst although Estella isn’t as forthcoming due to her bringing up, from Miss Haversham’s intent on despising men.
Equally in this environment Pipli see’s what it’s like to be part of British high society.
As Pipli grows and enjoys more and more of this life in estimed society he is bewildered to be offered a better education, income and residence in Calcutta through an annoyomous benefactor.
There he rooms with Herbert Pocket whom becomes his teacher as well as friend on how to behave and progress in the big city.
Finally we find who the mystery benefactor is and it’s not Miss Haversham but Malik the ex-convict who as also progressed in life, but he as rembered the kindness shown to him by Pipli and so gave an opportunity to progress when many Indians could not.
Tragedy is never far away, Malik is killed by the British, Miss Haversham is badly burned which ultimately leads to her passing despite Pipli’s efforts.
Life continues and Pipli and Estella’s paths cross but even though Pipli still loves her it’s not meant to be.
Tha acting by all shines through with brilliant performances, Pipli leading the way, but the production does not shy away from the tensions of a country dominated by British colonialism, partiton, race, religion and cultures.
I started initially by saying do we need another adaptation of Great Expectations, well if they’re written, directed and produced like this, then long may they continue.
Excellent production in every department.
