Violence Missing In 'saved' (Press, 9 August 1972)

The University of Canterbury Drama Society staged Edward Bond's controversial play "Saved" at the Ngaio Marsh Theatre from August 8 to 13, 1972. Produced by Philip Holder, the performance ran each evening from 8 p.m. to 10.30 p.m. "Saved" is known for its provocative content, prompting debates in Britain regarding its use of shocking themes such as cannibalism and violence, including a notably disturbing scene involving the death of a baby. The production aimed to capture the essence of Bond's vision, which focuses on the violence inherent in modern society. Critics noted that while the play effectively portrayed the realism of a working-class domestic environment, the overall execution left some questions unaddressed. The domestic settings achieved a sense of verisimilitude, particularly through strong performances from actors such as Viv Daley and Ralph Johnson, who contributed depth to their roles as parents. Mary-Rose Aitken’s portrayal of their daughter garnered praise for its quality and the way it highlighted Bond's skill with naturalistic dialogue. Her early interactions with Len, played by Bob Laughton, were remarked upon for their humour and authenticity. However, the production faced challenges, notably in the efficiency of set changes which disrupted continuity. While the cast displayed a tendency to emphasize physicality, including moments of nudity, the impactful portrayal of violence as intended by Bond was not fully realised. Issues such as uneven lighting, inconsistent pacing, and some secondary performances lacking character authenticity detracted from the overall effect of the play. Among the cast, Paul Collins was singled out for his compelling portrayal of a character marked by malignancy, managing to convey the abruptness of the violent atmosphere Bond aimed to critique. His performance highlighted the play’s engagement with societal indifference to violence. In summary, while "Saved" presented impressive elements, both in terms of acting and thematic ambition, it ultimately raised concerns about its effectiveness in delivering a coherent dramatic narrative.

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