A large part of me was very enthused, as Lorca was a great writer, very sad that he died so brutally too young with much more to give, and 'Yerma' is one of his best known works for good reason. Know him best through this, 'Blood Wedding' and a beautiful choral setting of 'With a Lily in Your Hand'. Was also interested as to whether Billie Piper was up to the task in such a demanding role and whether the play would work in a re-imagined modern setting.
This production screened as part of the National Theatre Live series was a triumph, it not just lived up to expectations it exceeded them. 'Yerma' means barren in English, but there was nothing barren emotionally about this production. Did admittedly have doubts as to whether a modern, non-traditional 'Yerma' would work, with there being plays and operas in my mind set in a specific setting and time period (i.e. not easy to imagine 'Dialogues Des Carmelites' in a setting other than the French Revolution working very well, it has happened before but it jarred too much when it did) and thinking it would be one of them.
It does work thankfully. The production looks good, have seen too many modern-set productions that don't which sometimes plays a factor, not elaborate but not cheap either. There is a lot of atmosphere here, especially in the lighting complete with sets and costumes that fit the play's theme and spirit beautifully. Cannot believe the swiftness of the set changes, not easy scene changes either, having seen so many overlong scene changes that really drag things down. Interesting use of music and sound too, that may not always enhance but doesn't detract either. It's very Brecht-like but didn't jar with the setting to me, though may be on the gimmicky side in use to some.
'Yerma's' stage direction is thoughtful and very emotionally charged. Not to mention tasteful, nothing comes over as strange or gratuitous and despite the modern setting and re-imagining it manages to be faithful to Lorca, which can't have been easy. A wonderful job is done with the characterisation, which is treated seriously but not overly-seriously and with great care without indulging.
Piper is an earth-shattering revelation in her most challenging role yet, any reservations are quickly and completely gone by the play's finish after being bowled over by such emotional power. It was a universally acclaimed performance winning record-breaking awards and one can totally see why. Brendan Cowell and Maureen Beattie in particular are great of the rest of a solid cast that should not be overlooked, but is sadly likely to be because of Piper being in such a different class.
Altogether, a triumph and Piper alone makes it a must watch. 10/10
