A Special Day

Observing the development of a relationship, unfolding in gentle stages, in front of your very eyes, can surely be one of the most rewarding and privileged positions a theatre audience can find themselves in. It is this kind of experience that the stage adaptation of the 1977 film A Special Day delivers, and when brought to engaging and touching life by two highly energetic and talented performers, this resourceful production overcomes the occasional niggling flaw to leave its viewers feeling both warm and wistful.

Two Italian neighbours - a housewife with a full brood of offspring and a currently absent partner, and a single man who until recently worked in radio - residing in the same apartment building, during the reign of fascism (and a visit by Hitler) in 1938, make each other's acquaintance (through the actions of the housewife's feathered friend). The time they spend together will provide drama, surprises, enrichment, and laughter - for the characters and the audience alike.

This is essentially a tale of two people, but Ana Graham and Antonio Vega bravely attempt to also portray brief appearances by minor personages (and animals!). Additionally, they are responsible for controlling (and in some cases, creating) their own sound effects, as well as simulating sets and props by way of chalk drawings. This verges on being a distraction, but the actors manage to keep the focus on the story while impressing you with their novel method of creating (and removing) such pieces of set as clocks and windows.

Performing in convincingly Italian-accented English, these Mexican performers rarely allow the pace of their presentation to flag. This can result in the dialogue requiring greater concentration from an audience than usual, in order that details and nuance are not missed. Some may also find a certain unexpected plot point relatively unconvincing by modern-day standards, at least as it is presented here.

The biggest problem is the feeling that, while what we get is an hour’s worth of fine theatre, the story could have been made even more satisfying, even more special, if taken at a slightly gentler pace and given a tad more room to breathe and settle in the viewers’ hearts.

Nonetheless, A Special Day is an enjoyable human tale that takes us back in history and shifts us geographically, yet leaves its audience not only feeling that these people’s basic problems (and joys) could exist anywhere, but also wondering if some things have really changed all that much in 75 years…

Anthony Vawser

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