'On the Waterfront' is a classic film made in 1954 which here receives it first staging in the UK, directed by none other than Steven Berkoff. The film is best known for the classic line spoken by defeated boxer Terry Malloy, played in the film by Marlon Brando, "I could have had class, I could have been a contender. I could have been somebody."
 
Set in the docks of 1950's New York and loosely based on real events, the play concerns the control of unions by organised crimes gangs who extort money from ship owners and dock workers. A commission has been set up to investigate the problem but the gangs are prepared to do anything to stop people testifying. There are many deaths in the dockyards but very few are actually accidental.
 
At the beginning of the play Malloy is tricked by his brother, a member of the gang, into helping them murder one of his friends. Although he expresses only mild regret, his conscience is pricked by Edie, the victim's sister. She is naive and those around her try to protect her from understanding the extent of the gang's power. However, she is also brave and determined and resolves to discover who killed her brother regardless of the danger. She is joined by the local priest, Father Barry, who urges people to stand up to the gang.
 
Despite the dramatic opening scene, the play begins slowly but gathers pace and interest as the the struggle for Malloy's conscience is fought. Malloy is forced to choose between being drawn further into the gang or risking his life by testifying against them. Much depends on his choice: the other workers are afraid but Father Barry realises that a brave individual who takes a stand will encourage the others and ruin the gang's reign of terror.

Much of the action takes place on the streets, rooftops and docks of New York and the simple, stark set evokes the city's atmosphere brilliantly. Between the tense scenes there are moments of humour. Backed by 1950's rock and roll tunes, the gangsters slide slowly across the stage in exaggerated poses. In one scene, the cast play pigeons in a rooftop coop, pecking and cooing.

In this superblt acted production, the message is clear and pertinent: that individual courage can bring down brutal regimes. It is worth reflecting on this when you see the news coming in from Zimbabwe or Tibet.
 

On The Waterfront plays at Nottingham Playhouse until Saturday 3rd May 2008

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