Post by Oobi on Jan 26, 2024 0:14:22 GMT
I saw this a few days ago. For those who left The Pillowman last year disappointed that their faith in humanity wasn't completely obliterated, I cannot recommend this show enough.
If I had to sum up the theme in a word, it would be "gaslighting". Steven is introduced as a successful entrepreneur with a well-defined history and relationships, but as the story unfolds, facets of his self-image start to be undermined. Initially you won't quite be sure who's gaslighting who, but by the end... well, let's just say it concludes with one of most soul-stoppingly horrific twists I've ever seen.
If I do have a nitpick, it's that the script sometimes explores its themes a little heavy-handedly, especially in the final scene. But besides that, this is a staggering piece of theatre. 9/10.
I can't believe I hadn't heard of Philip Ridley before. I'll be sure to check out his other plays when they come around.
A few rambly, spoilery thoughts:
If I had to sum up the theme in a word, it would be "gaslighting". Steven is introduced as a successful entrepreneur with a well-defined history and relationships, but as the story unfolds, facets of his self-image start to be undermined. Initially you won't quite be sure who's gaslighting who, but by the end... well, let's just say it concludes with one of most soul-stoppingly horrific twists I've ever seen.
If I do have a nitpick, it's that the script sometimes explores its themes a little heavy-handedly, especially in the final scene. But besides that, this is a staggering piece of theatre. 9/10.
I can't believe I hadn't heard of Philip Ridley before. I'll be sure to check out his other plays when they come around.
A few rambly, spoilery thoughts:
{Spoiler - click to view}
The story about the bombing takes on glorious retrospective significance. Which boy is ascending to Heaven? It's no wonder that Barry found solace in that thought.
The story about the bombing takes on glorious retrospective significance. Which boy is ascending to Heaven? It's no wonder that Barry found solace in that thought.
{Spoiler - click to view}
The use of the lamp was ingenious. When Steve slams the lightswitch in the penultimate scene, the sudden brightness is just as harsh on the audience as it is on Barry.
The use of the lamp was ingenious. When Steve slams the lightswitch in the penultimate scene, the sudden brightness is just as harsh on the audience as it is on Barry.
{Spoiler - click to view}
I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I was by the twist. "Child s*x abuse happened" can be such a lazy and gratuitous trope, but because of how elegantly the clues have been scattered throughout the play, the reveal feels inevitable. That's what makes it horrific - it's believability. The audience, like Steven, cannot deny Barry's words.
I cannot emphasize enough how impressed I was by the twist. "Child s*x abuse happened" can be such a lazy and gratuitous trope, but because of how elegantly the clues have been scattered throughout the play, the reveal feels inevitable. That's what makes it horrific - it's believability. The audience, like Steven, cannot deny Barry's words.
