I did not see either the original Swedish movie of "Let The Right One In," or the American remake retitled "Let Me In," both considered to be quite good, because I have an aversion to vampire stories. So I surprised myself by wanting to see the National Theatre of Scotland's theatrical version of the story at St. Ann's Warehouse.
The National Theatre of Scotland was established in 2006 and describes itself as being "a theatre without walls and building-free." This was used to great effect in their astounding production "Black Watch" about a Scottish Army regiment in Iraq which I saw at St. Ann's Warehouse in 2007. "Black Watch" was staged in the round with the actors moving in an out among the audience, making the realities of war all the more present and horrifying.
"Let The Right One In" is presented here in a more conventional setting. The stage is a forest of trees. Set pieces are wheeled on and off as needed but the trees remain throughout. The play has a dance-like quality and is beautiful choreographed. The trees, the snow (yes, there is snow), the various set pieces all make for props to be circled, climbed and hidden behind. One can see that it would be possible to stage the play "without walls," in a actual forest perhaps, but in the current staging at St. Ann's we never forget that we are the audience, on the outside looking in, distanced from the story.
The actors are all exceptional, the ones playing multiple roles moving in an out of character with ease. Unfortunately though, I found the story thin and predictable and even a little boring. However, if you loved the movies and if vampire stories are your thing then this might hit the spot for you.
