All My Sons

Chameleon Theatre Company

Ritchie Memorial Hall, Chandler's Ford

First performed in 1947, this Arthur Miller play based around the Keller family and the dramatic unfinished business of war, draws directly from the raw memory of the recent conflict.

Tonally it owes a debt to Greek tragedy with its theme of the past influencing the future. Act one is an Ibsen like slow revelation of facts and character details that become the basis for plot development in the subsequent acts. Handled with skill by director Geoff Dodsworth, the action built beautifully from quiet prelude of the opening act to the powerful revelations of the second part.

Nick Coleman commanded in the role of Keller, the tragic antihero and "little man". He was well matched by Matt Costen as his son Chris, who was compelling in conveying the survivor's guilt and devastation of his character in having to face reality. Equally strong were Liz Strevens (Kate) and Lisa Dunbar (Ann).

This was a drama of the first class.

Karen Robson