Amphibian Stage Productions
Modern Art Museum of Fort Worth
The Travelling Toe must confuse an early and ongoing obsession of the Gothic Romantic story of Jane Eyre and Edward Rochester. Charlotte Bronte wrote the book that is full of intrigue and lost love. The book was published in 1847 under one of her pen names, Currer Bell.
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| Charlotte Bronte 1816-1855 |
Many movies and television productions have been made of the Jane Eyre story. However, this is the first time The Travelling Toe and Companions have ever seen a stage play of it. Only the Nation Theatre in London could pull it off. The play was first conceived at the Bristol Old Vic and required 2 back-to-back nights for the complete story to be told. The National Theatre wanted to present the play but requested that the play be told in one performance. The play was reworked and is now performed in one production of 3 hours and 20 minutes.
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| Bristol Old Vic |
The main story line of the book is about Jane Eyre who is orphaned as a young child. She is put into the safe keeping of her Uncle Reed but he also passes and her Aunt Reed is saddled with raising her along with her own 3 children. Aunt Reed takes an immediate dislike to Jane and eventually sends her off to a charity school, Lowood. Jane makes a new friend there, Helen but she dies as well. Jane is cruelly treated at the school but perseveres to complete her education and eventually becoming a teacher at Lowood. But yet Jane yearns for something better. She advertises and finds a situation as a governess at Thronfield. She is to teach the young ward, Adele, of a certain Mr. Rochester. One day while out walking in the fog, Jane causes a rider to fall from his horse and it is Mr. Rochester - he has come home. As they become better acquainted Edward and Jane's attraction to each other blooms. But there is evil lurking in the shadows, as of course there would have to be since it is a romantic story. There must be drama!
The stage setting for this play was very different. It will be hard to explain as it consisted of ladders going up and over to different platforms. There are about 8 actors in the cast and they play various roles though out the play. Men may play little girls, women may be a man. And one actor even plays Pilot the dog, to much delight of the audience members.. Also at the back of the stage is a small orchestra that provides musical accompaniment to the action taking place on stage. The music and the singer add another layer to this amazing production.
This was one of the most interesting, fantastic and enjoyable play ever!
CAST:
Madeleine Worrall
Jane Eyre
Felix Hayes
Edward Rochester
Craig Edwards
Laura Elphinstone
Melanie Marshall
Simone Saunders
Maggie Tagney
Musicians
Benji Bower
Will Bower
Phil King
Here is a "You Tube" video about the play, which gives a quick peek into the costumes, stage setting and story line.
You Tube - Jane Eyre trailer
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