“Oroonoko” Misleads: “Star-Corssed Lovers…” Response

In his review of the latest Manhattan play, “Oroonoko,” Charles Isherwood argues that a poignant love story and catchy ascetic appeal do not necessarily guarantee a well-done production. It is apparent in the first sentence of his review that Isherwood is not thrilled about this adaptation of a celebrated novel by Aphra Behn. He claims that the play is a “disappointment” in comparison to the genius and intrigue of the original text. Isherwood supports this claim by going on to praise the author, depicting her as a “fascinating figure” and even comparing her achievements to those of Virginia Woolf. With this initial commendation of Behn’s work, Isherwood makes it clear how difficult it is for an onstage production to match the novel’s pioneer success.

Isherwood continues by commenting on the play’s more external components. He describes the acting as being delivered “with committed earnestness and some humor,” and also depicts the costumes as being “richly colored,” the sets “minimal but effective,” and the lighting “artful.” However, to balance out these compliments, Isherwood adds the more important aspects of the production, such as mood and sophistication, are comparable to “higher-grade children’s theater.” And indeed, his plot summary makes “Oroonoko” sound like a heavy-handed fairy tale.

While he seems to appreciate the outward appearance and writing of the play, Isherwood is yet dissatisfied with this adaptation of the more greatly inventive novel. While his conclusion is short and to-the-point, his depicts his disappointment clearly, stating that “Oroonoko” will either “delight or exasperate, depending on [the viewers’] taste.”

Star-Crossed Lovers Caught in an Unenlightened Era