Is Matilda the Musical Subversive and Politically/Socially Interesting?

The play Matilda the Musical has been a source of much debate, with many heralding it as both subversive and profoundly engaging in social and political discourse. Critics often point to the innovative and daring approach of Roald Dahl's adaptation through the Royal Shakespeare Company, which brings to light important themes that resonate with audiences across generations.

Subversive Elements in Matilda the Musical

A review in The New York Times highlights how the musical uses traditional forms to convey radical ideas. In a trenchant barb, the piece is described as an 'insurrection against tyranny, television illiteracy, unjust punishment, and impoverished imaginations.' This encapsulates the core message of the musical: the power of words, books, and stories as weapons of defense, attack, and survival against societal injustices.

Focus on Children's Empowerment

The story focuses on Matilda, a 5-year-old protagonist who is exceptionally intelligent but stifled in her school environment, much like the classic tale it draws inspiration from. Under the direction of Matthew Warchus and with a bright and efficient book by Dennis Kelly, the musical is as much an edge-of-the-seats nail biter as a tense thriller. The abolition of traditional boundaries and the sharp wit in scriptwriting position the musical to challenge the status quo.

Symbolism and Storytelling Power

.Symbolicity and storytelling are at the heart of Matilda the Musical. The set, meticulously designed by Rob Howell and lighted by Hugh Vanstone, transforms into a fluid representation of the characters' worlds. The set's elements, such as large letter-bearing tiles and bookcases, symbolize the limitless potential of literature and language. The children also actively manipulate the set, illustrating the dynamic interaction between reality and fantasy.

Contrast Between Home and School Life

The musical also delves into the stark contrasts in Matilda's upbringing. At home, she faces a neglectful and ignorant father and a mother obsessed with dancing. Mr. Wormwood, played by Gabriel Ebert, epitomizes a parent who disregards literature in favor of television. Mrs. Wormwood, played by Lesli Margherita, neglects her daughter's intellectual needs in favor of her own vanity and materialism. This portrayal underscores the importance of education and the detrimental effects of ignorance.

The Brink of Empowerment

At school, Matilda encounters a formidable opponent in Miss Trunchbull, portrayed by Bertie Carvel, who represents the oppressive forces that seek to silence and subjugate. Under her tyrannical regime, the school commemorates the dark motto, "Bambinatum est maggitum," signifying the belief that children are maggots. The dynamic between Matilda and Miss Trunchbull is a microcosm of resistance and innovation, a battle between the oppressed and their oppressors.

Music and Choreography

The score, composed by Tim Minchin with orchestrations by Christopher Nightingale, adds another layer of subversiveness. The Gothic strains and clever lyrics reinforce the dramatic tension and emotional depth. The music is not just catchy, but it serves as a parallel to the narrative, enhancing the storytelling and the themes of the play. The dance numbers, choreographed by Peter Darling, are both witty and powerful, blending elements of social critique with theatrical brilliance.

Conclusion: An Exhilarating Tale of Empowerment

Through its clever adaptation of traditional forms and its profound social commentary, Matilda the Musical emerges as a groundbreaking work that challenges and inspires. It is not merely escapist entertainment but a powerful statement against injustice and a celebration of the transformative power of words, stories, and imagination. The closing lines, in which Matilda suggests that one can escape their story by using imagination, encapsulates the musical's message perfectly.