Review: Machinal

by Daniel Hill

Based on a true story, Machinal is a play by Sophie Treadwell which is told through episodes and was the single play that was published within her lifetime out of the thirty nine that she wrote. The Almeida Theatre stage is transformed as Natalie Abrahami, whose recent work includes Wings at the Young Vic and Queen Anne for the RSC, directs this thought provoking play.

Sophie Treadwell’s play tells the harsh story of Ruth Snyder (or Young Woman) who was the first woman to be executed by Electric Chair at Sing Sing Prison in New York. We see Young Woman go through her life as she seems almost trapped within certain situations including, work, home and marriage. It is only when her affair begins that she is able to have some freedom on the side of her life and it is perhaps that accelerates her decline into insanity. Natalie Abrahami directs this piece with a deep insight into the harshness of the main character, without losing the sight of the bigger picture which possibly suggests she is trapped in a prison throughout her life. In the final scene, she cried out the words, “No more - not now - I’m going to die - I won’t submit.” which gave us a clearer insight into how she had felt her whole life in a world of entrapment.

Emily Berrington is brilliant in the role of Young Woman who shows this uncontrollable emotional side of the character throughout. Particularly in her monologue during Episode 2 in which she is questioning her mother in regards to the almost unwanted love she received from her boss and future husband. It was delivered with ease and confusion which really brought her performance to life. The rest of the cast supported her well and were able to create the foundations of the performance.

The stage of the Almeida is completely transformed into a box shape which had an angled mirror hanging from the ceiling which provided a different perspective; something that was required throughout the play for the audience. Each episode was ended as long lasting blinders hit the audience and the stage was obstructed by two shutters joined together. This allowed for the audience to both reflect on the previous scene, before they were lifted and a new setting was revealed.

The cast of this production should be proud of the piece of theatre they have created. Natalie Abrahami has made a name for herself over the last year and continues to do so with this production. I am personally excited to see her direction of The Meeting at the Minerva Theatre later this year. The Almeida, who have recently been announced as the London Theatre of the year, prove why they are truly deserving of this title with this revival of Machina.

Machinal runs at the Almeida Theatre, London until 21 July 2018.