A voice in the darkness quotes from a letter about the town of Llareggub whose story, in Under Milkwood, begins out of darkness. It becomes a tale of its inhabitants over a day and night. Dylan Thomas called it “a play for voices,” and the five Dear Conjunction actors render them all, distinctly and well, under varying lights.
The actors in a semi-circle of lecterns either read from behind them or speak from downstage center at a table and chairs for two as well as on either side of these. Besides facial and body gesturing, the actors use changes of characteristic hats, colorful scarves or ties, and jackets to distinguish characters. The men supply the bass voices; the women’s vary in tone and range. And, almost uniquely today, there are no microphones, but every word can be distinctly heard. Les Clack, co-founder of Dear Conjunction, and as fine as an English actor as any in Paris, excels as Captain Cat, the seaman recalling his voyages, as well as Willy Nilly (nosy) Postman and an indiscretion or two. With skill, Martin Vaughan Lewis narrates the people’s dreams, becomes Reverend Jenkins with an improvised collar, then a baker, and others. He’s especially vivid as Mr. Pugh, would-be poisoner of his wife, and Waldo, a man of many failed marriages and affairs.
Patricia Kessler, American-born company co-founder, gives frequent cogent commentaries close-up and spans ages, attitudes and looks from playing ripe Rosie Probert to Mrs. Cherry Owen. Rose Romain is involved in many dreamed-of loves as schoolteacher Rose and as Polly, among a variety of women. She displays a well trained voice more than once. Rebecca James embodies nasty Mrs. Pugh, lonely bar maid Lily Smalls, and yearning Sinbad the Sailors, among a host of women.
At times, the actors comment chorally. At others, one will read about a character while another gestures like that person. Microphoning is well controlled, and there are special sounds such as bells and bits of dream music and kids’ songs.
Overall, Dear Conjunction’s Under Milkwood does full justice to Dylan Thomas’s poetic and observational genius. A program note says the Company is for hire. I’d love to see it again, touring in or close to my home.
