Cultural nuances of story well played by talented cast and creatives

The Inheritance
Corn Exchange, Wallingford

Wednesday, September 17

FULL disclosure: the director and translator of The Inheritance also happens to be my dad — so you could say I’m a little biased, but only in the best way. The play is about four sisters who rekindle their relationship after the passing of their mother.

Written by Miguel Falabella, translated and adapted by Len Pannett, Len’s translation and direction offered a thoughtful and engaging evening of theatre, marked by some striking design choices and strong performances. The set, in particular, stood out for its attention to detail and originality.

In the Warburton room there are windows on the stage. The decision to make use of the windows rather than simply cover them added atmosphere and depth, while the transformation of the coffin into a sofa was both inventive and thematically effective. The views from the apartment windows showing buildings and the sky (but not the sea) gave a sense of place. These moments of stagecraft elevated the production and showed a clear creative vision.

The cast of four brought real commitment to their roles, and each character was well defined. Their performances conveyed not only the individual personalities but also the close bonds between them, giving the play a believable emotional core.

At times, the pacing felt a little uneven, but the ensemble’s energy and connection held the audience’s attention. Particularly impressive was the way they engaged with the Brazilian elements of the text, handling cultural nuances with confidence and sensitivity. It was clear that the actors had immersed themselves fully in the play, which gave their performances an authenticity beyond the script alone. This gave the feeling that the audience were sitting among family. Costume design played a subtle but essential role in grounding the characters. Each outfit felt specifically tailored to reflect personality and circumstance, enhancing the storytelling without ever distracting from it.

The lighting and sound design added a further layer of atmosphere, enhancing the drama without overpowering it. These elements played a vital role in supporting the shifts of tone and emotion throughout. Overall the production struck a strong balance between technical flair and subtlety.

What makes this staging so engaging is the way all the elements came together cohesively in an intimate space. There was a real sense of craft at work, and the result consistently intrigued and impressed. This was a compelling piece of theatre. With its inventive set, well-drawn characters and sensitive direction, it left a strong impression and showcased the talents of the performers and production team.

Lizzie Pannett