Minimalist 'Crime' Captures Dostoevsky's Dread

Northern Broadsides presents a striking, small-scale adaptation of Dostoevsky's literary classic, a first for the company. This production features a cast of three, with Connor Curren taking on the central role of Raskolnikov, the tormented antihero responsible for a double murder.

Curren's performance is most compelling when he is alone on stage, exploring Raskolnikov's sociopathic indifference and fevered regret. The adaptation excels when it mirrors Dostoevsky's innovation of portraying the crime from the criminal's perspective. In these moments, the audience gains insight into Raskolnikov's motivations, driven by poverty and abstract thought.

However, scenes with Trudy Akobeng and Niall Costigan, who portray multiple characters, are noted as less developed, with tension dissipating in lightly drawn exchanges. These characters, while more than projections, lack the depth to match the impact of Raskolnikov's solitary contemplation and actions.

The production compensates with theatrical resourcefulness. Chris Davey's dynamic lighting, with actors repositioning lamps, creates varied moods. Rose Revitt's set, featuring a stark bedsit and cardboard models of St Petersburg, is enhanced by Philip Pinsky's soundtrack, which shifts from melodic to unsettling, building a palpable atmosphere of dread.