The Stage

Saturn Returns

Published Monday 8 November 2010 at 10:27 by Paul Vale

Gustin Novak lost his wife in childbirth and his daughter died nearly thirty years later. Old age offers nothing except memories of the past and the chance visit from a friendly nurse. Noah Haidle’s elliptical play allows us to witness the key events that shaped Gustin’s life, using three actors playing the character at different ages and another playing all of the women.

Lisa Caruccio Came, Christopher Harper, Richard Evans and Nicholas Gecks in Saturn Returns at the Finborough Theatre Photo: Dan Chippendale

Theatrically sound, unfortunately Haidle cannot bring the play to a satisfactory conclusion and the weak ending is a bit of a let down. Until then, the story has been well crafted and Adam Lenson’s direction is spot on, enhancing both the drama and the unusual structure, the whole being complimented by Bec Chippendale’s excellent set.

Gustin through the ages is brought to life by Richard Evans, Nicholas Gecks and Christopher Harper. Evans gives the elderly Gustin a sense of fun, still flirting with the help but echoing a deep sense of loss for the loves of his life. Harper plays the 28 year old Gustin, the tender newly wed, happily relaxing into a lifetime of married bliss.

Gecks handles the complex and difficult task of playing the middle-aged role, where Gustin’s heart has been broken and he is desperate not to loose his daughter. Each actor draws off the other and when the text calls upon them to interplay the dramatic tension is palpable. What would you say to your younger self, if you could make him listen? Lisa Caruccio Came shines in the unenviable role of both the wife, the daughter and nurse with many quick changes that work perfectly.