Vera; Or, The Nihilists by Oscar Wilde was written when Wilde was in his twenties. The play originally flopped and Wilde was subjected to ridicule and bad press when it was first staged. The latest production of the play has been a huge success and a sell-out which is a huge achievement for a Fringe Theatre venue.

Natasha Culzac takes on the role of the courageous and outspoken (rightly so) Vera Sabouroff who is originally working for her Father in the family Inn. Her brother has left home and has become worryingly quiet and Vera and her Father Peter Sabouroff (Jonathan Hansler) are concerned as to his whereabouts as Russia becomes more unsettled and dangerous.

The main body of the play is based around Vera and the group that forms called “Nihilists” Those involved have little in common except their fear of the changes taking place in Russia led by the Tsar also played by Jonathan Hansler whose ramblings and evil ideas led me to believe he was bordering on madness. Plus under the influences from his Prime Minister Maraloffski played by Kat Kim.

Ruth Varela’s stage design consists of five white triangular screens which are moved into various positions during the scenes which are configured into various walls or towers across Russia including the Royal Palace. However, the audience needs to suspend their disbelief to transport their mind to these various locations.

I thought the use of white cardboard-designed weapons was effective and somehow made the innocent-looking firearms more dangerous and sinister.

As one of the lesser-known plays by Wilde, the storyline is don’t believe with be familiar to many audience members. It’s a rare treat to watch an older play without preconceived ideas and expectations. Third Thing Productions has recreated the play with respect to the original author and I am sure he would have been intrigued to see the response it has had from audiences now.

For more information about Vera; Or, The Nihilists and future productions at Jack Studio Theatre please use the link below.

Four Stars.

Photo credit Henry Roberts.  

https://brockleyjack.co.uk/jackstudio-entry/vera-or-the-nihilists/

This production – the first-ever London revival – is directed and reconceptualised by Cecilia Thoden van Velzen, founder of production company Greensleeved. It is the debut production from Third Thing Productions.

Cast:

Natasha Culzac as Vera Sabouroff

George Airey as Alexis Ivanacievitch

Kat Kim as Prime Minister Maraloffski

Jonathan Hansler as Peter Sabouroff & Czar Ivan

Jo Idris-Roberts as President of the Nihilists & Baron Raff

Finn Samuels as Michael & Count Rouvaloff

Catherine Allison as Kotemkin

Directed and reconceptualised by Cecilia Thoden van Velzen

Set Designer and Lighting Designer: Ruth Varela

Costume Designer: Anastasiia Glazova

Costume Assistants: Sofia Kuzmina and Vladimir Buriakov

Sound Design: Cecilia Thoden van Velzen

Assistant Director and Fight Director: Matthew Schwarz

Lighting Technician: Ed Tuke

Producer: Stephen Leach

Associate Producers: Natasha Culzac and Cecilia Thoden van Velzen

Presented by Third Thing Productions.