Tom Stoppard’s Arcadia is a play that explores the nature of order and chaos in the universe, the importance of academic pursuit, and the certainty of history and knowledge. Directed by Jeremy Hutton, Arcadia follows the quest of three academics to reveal the truth behind the mysterious events at English country house Sidley Park between 1809 and 1812.
The structure of the play follows two separate but parallel plotlines, slowly unravelling the three mysteries that drive the play: Bernard Nightingale’s search for the cause behind the death of amateur poet Ezra Chater, Hannah Jarvis’ quest to uncover the identity of the Sidley hermit, and Valentine Coverly’s study of a mathematical iterative algorithm that was first discovered by his brilliant ancestor, Thomasina Coverly. As these complex investigations progress, the mysteries of Sidley Park are revealed during a visit by the famous poet Lord Byron.
The first Hart House Theatre production with a cast made up exclusively of U of T students, the performances were nothing short of professional. Tyrone Savage’s charismatic and charming portrayal of tutor/poet Septimus Hodge made the play especially enjoyable to watch. Other memorable performances included Clara Pasieka’s innocent yet precocious Thomasina Coverly, Bil Antoniou’s pompous Bernard Nightingale, Anne Wiesen’s proud and slightly irritating Hannah Jarvis, and Evan O’Donnell’s socially awkward Augustus Coverly. The costumes were gorgeous, and the set well-crafted, as haunting piano music set the tone for a moving ending.
The complex subject matter and intellectual yet humorous dialogue of Stoppard’s script promised an intriguing show. The scholarly language lent the play substance, but was well balanced by the comedic dialogue, which kept the proceedings light. However, the actors’ fast-paced delivery and the rushed explanation of theoretical concepts left the audience’s minds spinning. Small bits of dialogue and important plot points were often lost, and too much time was spent trying to connect the dots. Complex details were mostly forgotten, but the laughs and emotions were effectively and skilfully delivered.
The end of the play’s first half focused too much on academic theory and debate, which caused the plotline to drag a little. But the charming and spirited dialogue came together much more comprehensively in the second half, with the witty banter between Wiesen’s Hannah Jarvis and Antoniou’s Bernard Nightingale. In the end, efforts put into the development of complex theories and plotlines throughout the play were nearly lost due to their anti-climactic outcomes.
The two timelines switch back and forth, presenting answers before questions, creating chaos throughout the progression of the play. But the timelines merge in a masterfully crafted ending, demonstrating that order can form amid chaos. The characters’ lives and pursuits make clear to the viewer that though times may change and science may progress, certain truths always remain constant. Culminating in a tender and beautiful scene performed passionately by Savage and Pasieka, Stoppard’s emotional ending reminds us of the finality of time, and the driving force behind all order and chaos—love and death.
Rating: VVVv
Arcadia runs until March 14th at Hart House Theatre. Tickets are $12 for U of T students.
