Jane Austen originally published her first novel, Sense and Sensibility, anonymously in 1811, perhaps weary in how the success of a novel penned by a woman would be limited. She also may have wanted to protect herself from societal backlash from a novel that so boldly spoke about the inequitable role of women and their unfortunate dependency on marriage for both societal and economic wellbeing. Austen’s stories were the original Bridgerton. The Arts Club Theatre’s production of Sense and Sensibility, a two-act play written by Kate Hamill and directed by Rachel Peak, is a charming and fresh interpretation of Austen’s work, with creative staging and enduring performances.
The story focuses on sisters Elinor and Marianne Dashwood following the death of their father. Forced out of their family home, we see Elinor and Marianne, as well as their younger sister Margaret and now widowed mother, begin a new chapter at the rented home of a distant relative. Elinor and Marianne are both in their late teens, and therefore the marrying age of the time. Throughout the show, we see the excitement, heartbreak, and everything in between that Elinor and Marianne experience in their search for love.
This a fun, whimsical production, with a vividly colourful and simple, yet multifunctional set designed by Shizuka Kai, and gorgeous period costumes designed by Jacqueline Firkins. Director Peake and choreographer Tara Cheyenne Friedenberg cleverly bring Austen’s story to life with a relatively small cast of ten, with most actors seamlessly switching between multiple parts. There are also some delightful and humourous moments where actors play animals – horses as part of a carriage scene, and household dogs in another scene.
Nyiri Karakas is phenomenal as Elinor, and she has a magnetic energy that draws you in. It’s interesting to watch Karakas deal with Elinor’s complex situations; every line she delivers is done with careful thought, and even when she’s not speaking, you can still see her constantly accessing the situation. Even the way she breathes speaks volumes about how Elinor is feeling. Karakas also carries herself with wonderful poise.
As Marianne, Amanda Sum is the perfect counterpart to Karakas, uninhibited in unleashing her thoughts and emotions. Sum has a free-spirited presence that’s fun to watch. As the youngest sister, Margaret, Sarah Cantuba is remarkably convincing at playing the 13-year-old sister, exuding genuine youthful energy. She also plays Lucy Steele, a chief rival to Elinor in the battle for a husband. Cantuba plays Steele with delightful malice, subtly throwing shade at Elinor.
Kamyar Pazandeh is also a joy to watch. He’s wonderfully awkward and shy as Elinor’s love interest, Edward Ferrars; hilarious as Ferrars’ brother Robert; and entertainingly catty in his turns in the Gossip chorus. What’s the Gossip chorus? It’s a clever tactic this production uses, where members of the cast represent the gossiping social elite. The Gossip chorus act as a Greek chorus, and Friedenberg’s inventive choreography allows for interesting visuals and seamless storytelling.
Sense and Sensibility is a thoughtful look into the role of women in 19th century British society, and this production keeps Austen’s story and important messages alive with a light-hearted spirit that’s truly captivating and moving.
The Arts Club Theatre’s production of Sense and Sensibility runs until April 2, 2023 at the Stanley Industrial Alliance Stage. Visit the Arts Club’s site for ticket information.