Sigmund Freud
once said, "A man should not strive to eliminate his complexes but to
get into accord with them. They are legitimately what directs his conduct
in the world." Freud and Dora, directed by Subramaniam V, presented
these "complexes" in an interesting and hilarious manner, unfolding
the story of a teenage girl, Dora, who attempts to come to terms with
the realities of life. Dora (Charlotte Chiew) suffers from a repressed
sexual disorder, with symptoms like an incurable cough, bed-wetting
and terrible headaches. Her concerned father (Mohan Sachdev) arranges
for regular appointments with Professor Freud, (Andrew Mowatt) to cure
Dora of her disorder, much to her unhappiness. Having established the
foundation of the story, the journey begins with unexpected twists and
turns at every point.
The stage was transformed into the Professor's room, with a high and
very uncomfortable wooden chair where he would sit when figuring out
his patient's problems and a sofa where Dora would pour out her grievances
to him, at times unwillingly. The bright lights also symbolised scrutiny
- in his room, nothing would remain hidden, a condition which obviously
delighted the Professor, who is keen on knowing people's deepest and
darkest secrets.
While watching the performance, it was difficult not to gasp in shock
as the famous psychoanalyst uncovered the scandalous details of Dora's
life. I almost felt like an old lady at a tea party, listening in on
torrid gossip. For instance, Dora frequently dreamt that her house was
on fire and her mother, much to her father's annoyance, insisted on
saving the family's jewel case. Freud, in an arrogant manner, informed
Dora that the dream meant that she was unhappy with her father for his
failure to protect her "jewel case" - by which he meant something entirely
different...
The actors, of course, played a major role in creating this unpredictable
and amusing atmosphere. Mowatt played the part of Freud to perfection.
Immaculately dressed, he carried himself well - he was clearly in control
of the situation and was determined to make Dora accept herself as a
young lady with sexual desires. He did this by constantly mocking Dora
and forcing her to admit that she enjoyed her sexuality. His candid
and witty comments were charming, but also brought out a slightly irritating
side of him.
Though Mowatt's Freud was self-assured most of the time, the actor
also portrayed his flaws: his lack of sensitivity toward Dora and, later,
his inability to control his love for her. Uncertainty and apprehension
crept into his voice whenever Dora came too near and it was this that
touched the audience and gained their sympathy despite his often hurtful
remarks.
Similarly, the audience's hearts went out to Dora as they realised
the cause of her disorder in the later part of the play. It was no wonder
that she suffered from neuroses. Her father was having an affair with
a family friend, and the husband of that woman tried to take advantage
of Dora whenever her father was away. Chiew played the role of Dora
rather well, presenting a girl who was confused yet endearing. Her effective
use of body language, such as the way her hand touched her throat when
she was uncertain, along with the young-sounding voice she used, succeeded
in portraying a teenage girl who refused to grow up.
Sachdev, as Dora's father, also did a commendable job. Though
at times slightly stiff, he managed to present a picture of a troubled
father whose daughter was constantly ill and whose married life had
turned sour. The chemistry between Chiew and Sachdev was apparent, making
the father-daughter pair seem lovable, despite their shortcomings.
The only quibble I had was that the ending did not turn out the way
I had hoped. Freud and Dora, a duo who had been bickering from the very
beginning, fell in love, only to be separated because Dora's father
had ended his affair and no longer needed to send Dora to the Professor
to get her out of the way so he could visit his mistress. But I suppose
you can't have everything, and more importantly, Freud and Dora
succeeded, like a suave and smooth-talking Casanova, in seducing its
audience with wit and innuendo. And at the end of it all, like little
schoolgirls, we were thoroughly charmed.
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"Freud and Dora succeeded, like a suave and smooth-talking
Casanova, in seducing its audience with wit and innuendo"
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