Animal Farm: As Witnessed by Moses the Raven
More Equal
Animal Farm: As Witnessed by Moses the Raven
by George Orwell, adapted by Dov Citron
Dov Citron Productions at the Barons Court Theatre until 3rd October
Review by Eleanor Marsh
George Orwell’s Animal Farm was written in 1945 as an allegorical study of the Russian revolution of 1917 and the subsequent rise of the Stalinist regime. It could have been written at any time in history and remained relevant. It is more relevant than ever today and the fact that Dov Citron’s adaptation is heading for schools is greatly encouraging; there is no better way to educate than through storytelling and Victoria Waddington’s direction and Citron’s charismatic performance are both thought-provoking and moving.
Citron has written this adaptation as well as being the sole performer. And what a tour de force he has produced! The device of using Moses (the representation of organised religion in the book) as narrator is a clever one but the expectation is therefore set that the play will be from Moses’ perspective. Apart from an occasion reference to “belief” and the nice touch of a familiar tune being used to accompany the “sugar candy mountain” this is not the case and the play is all the better for it as it simply tells the story, without over-complicating matters. One wonders if removing Moses from the title might serve the play better. It is a moot point. The story is told well and that is really all that matters.
What does not work as well is the drunken Mr Jones appearing pre-show and then disappearing before Moses himself appears. Citron’s performance as Jones is excellent and offered moments of true jeopardy, but it just wasn’t necessary to introduce the character this early on and when he left the stage there was a definite air of confusion in the audience – had the play started or not? When Moses – all gravitas and sombre authority – did reveal himself we finally knew where we were. In fact there were a few awkward audience interaction moments throughout the play. Perhaps this was deliberate, after all it is not a comfortable subject.
Terry “Tex” Gibbon’s set is very effective and makes the most of the space. It is a clever design that complements the storytelling beautifully. Likewise the use of hats and an occasional prop to represent each character is simple but effective, and Citron’s animals are a sight to behold! Each one is clearly defined with its own mannerisms and the device of using a different regional accent for each one is inspired. The chickens and the cats will stay with me for a long time – I’d not take on either of them!
To condense a classic novel such as Animal Farm into an hour is an ambitious undertaking but thanks to some deft direction and a charismatic powerhouse performance this adaptation never feels rushed and the plot is never confused.
Catch it if you can before it goes into the school room …
Eleanor Marsh, October 2026
Photography by Steve Thewis
