When one reads about the play "Nathan the Wise" one might expect that the show will be a rather ponderous analysis of the ills of the world brought about by the issues of race and religion. One might then expect quite a lot of gnashing of religious teeth and wringing of pious hands, etc.
However the story actually boils down to sultan saves boy, boy saves girl, girl falls in love with boy, boy hides from girl, boy meets father who introduces boy to girl, boy gets confused... quite a lot... and a few more "Shakespearian" twists and turns that make you wonder... "What will happen next?"
There is, of course, a strong theme against religious intolerance and the need to accept all religious differences. This however is not drummed in at every turn, but rather tends to provide additional pathos and jeopardy to the flow of the play.
I must say that the acting is terrific across the board, with some of actors bringing out their best performances for this show.
Gary Doe is one such actor providing a beautifully understated but utterly believable interpretation of Nathan, the wealthy and generous Jew. His calm and unflustered Nathan sits well against Phil Gyngell's impetuous, mostly depressed but always confused young Templar knight. This is Phil's second major role with HIADS and with this show his natural talent and stage presence have come to the fore in a confident and pacey performance.
These two central characters are strongly supported by the rest of the cast who all perform as well as I have seen.
Helen Thomas is perfect in the role as the love sick Rachel, confidently bringing her youth and HIYA acting experience to bear.
Another HIYA veteran, Scott Hawley, as the "wide-boy dervisher - made good" shows off his physicality and humour to good effect.
Louisa Gibbons brings in a confident performance as Daya (Rachel's companion) and looks completely at home in the part.
Malcolm Bain is wonderfully cast as the zealot Patriarch which provides him a wonderful opportunity to indulge in a bit of almost melodramatic acting.
Alan Hoad is also perfectly cast as the sympathetic and kind Lay Brother, bringing gentle gravitas to the role.
Laura Duncan plays the clever and slightly conniving Sittah (Saladin's sister) with aplomb (and a lovely accent) from behind her rather sumptuous Arabic garb.
John Blackwell brings in a typically believable and enjoyable performance as Saladin.
As Director of this play he has definitely created a show to be proud of. Not only has he got fantastic performances from his actors, he has also got the best out of the hard working backstage crew with quick scene changes, a simple clean and effective set, bright costumes and clever lighting and sound.
So if you'd like a lively light hearted "Shakespearianesque" plot (without the Shakespearian prose) mixed in with a little comment about religious tolerance, then I think Nathan the Wise will be right up your street.
Brian Stubbings