theguardian.com
Stage Adaptation of \"The Borrowers\" Showcases Scale and Survival
Mary Norton's \"The Borrowers\", published seven years after WWII, tells the story of the Borrower family, who flee their home to escape attacks and harsh weather, seeking a new haven; a 1999 stage adaptation cleverly uses scale and puppetry to portray their adventures.
- How does the stage adaptation of \"The Borrowers\" utilize visual effects and scale changes to enhance the narrative and create a sense of jeopardy?
- The story's success stems from its clever portrayal of scale. Stage adaptations, like Patrick Connellan's, use simultaneous views and set design to contrast the Borrowers' world with the humans', creating a sense of danger and wonder. The use of puppets enhances this effect, particularly in scenes depicting the family's adventures outside.
- What are the immediate consequences faced by the Borrowers in Mary Norton's \"The Borrowers\", and how do these consequences highlight the family's struggle for survival?
- Mary Norton's \"The Borrowers\" follows a family forced to flee their home due to attacks and harsh weather, seeking refuge in an unknown haven. The novel, published seven years post-WWII, uses a mythic scope and domestic details to create a thrilling and humorous story.
- What lasting impact does the theatrical adaptation of \"The Borrowers\" have on the audience, considering its exploration of themes like survival, family, and human connection?
- The play's impact lies in its ability to make the impossible possible, engaging the audience's imagination and highlighting the vulnerability of the Borrowers. This theatrical approach makes the story relatable, prompting reflection on themes of survival, family, and the power of human connection against overwhelming odds.
Cognitive Concepts
Framing Bias
The framing of the review is largely neutral and descriptive. The reviewer presents a balanced overview of the play's elements. While focusing on certain aspects, such as the set design and the performance of Arrietty, this appears to be a natural consequence of the review's descriptive nature rather than a deliberate bias to promote particular aspects of the play over others.
Sustainable Development Goals
The story highlights the struggles of a family forced to flee their home, facing threats and harsh conditions. This indirectly relates to the challenges faced by vulnerable populations experiencing poverty and displacement, who often lack basic necessities and safety. While not directly about poverty reduction strategies, the narrative evokes empathy for those in precarious situations and the importance of finding safe havens.