The Pianist (Manchester International Festival) at The Museum of Science and Industry, Manchester - Review
The Holocaust is a topic that has been approached many times, across many art forms. But here, minimalism is the key: we have one pianist and one narrator, exploring the memoirs of Wladyslaw Szpilman. The location is a warehouse in the Science Museum, which gives the piece real edge and authenticity.
This Edinburgh Festival 'touch' really puts the Manchester International Festival on the map. As you are led up the stairs by torchlight, you are ready to experience this fascinating production. Chris Davey plays Szpilman, in terms of character and as a storyteller. He is your guide through the horrors of war. As a composer and concert pianist, Wladyslaw witnessed the death and destruction of his beloved Warsaw. What makes this story remarkable is the fact that his memoirs were written just months after; therefore, still raw in his mind.
Schindler's List, The Diary Of Anne Frank, and the TV series Holocaust have all covered this subject with very fine details, so what makes this production stand out? This is a first person account, so you really feel like you are witnessing events for yourself via Szpilman's words. Other dramas cover this event from so many angles, that the sense of the individual is often lost.
Lovers of Roman Polanski's film version of The Pianist will see or hear nothing new or profound here. But the 'experience' of watching this account is the key to its success. The superb setting is so evocative, as the vast warehouse feels like a hiding place for Szpilman and you witness the prisoner, the pianist and the writer, in an arena style layout, giving the story its epic scope.
Lighting is also vital to the play's success, as it allows you to escape to this shocking world and Chris Davey has designed it quite beautifully, transporting you from 2007 to 1939. The pianist himself, Mikhail Rudy is worth paying to see, alone. Watching him in such close confinement is heartbreaking and you feel very privileged. One scene which will stay in my memory occurs when the narrator rests his hands on the pianist's shoulders, as he silently digests the scope of the horrific experiences of the last six years. The effect is mesmerising and the audience is stunned into silence.
I have heard many people comment that this is 'just another Holocaust tale'. But there is a current generation unbelievably, oblivious of this genocide of millions. They have become used to the twenty four hour nature of news and almost ignorant of the past. So, therefore this is a real timely tribute to the forgotten souls. The sweeping feel of the venue will take your breath away but with such masterful storytelling in place also, The Pianist becomes an unforgettable evening.
Glenn Meads
The Pianist continues until July 15. Box office: 0871 230 1888.
www.manchesterinternationalfestival.co.uk
