I am back from an evening at the Citz Theatre.
The Citz is my favourite theatre and the Double Bill that I went to see was in my favourite venue the Circle Studio, yes I like to be able to see the soul of the actor when they perform, none of this 2 dimensional raised platform at the end of a big hall. I want 3 dimensions where the actors spit on the audience as the enunciate their lines and don’t get me started about actors on microphones, if I want TV I’ll stay at home. Okay think I am tripping in to a psychosis myself.
The first play was Joe Orton’s The Ruffian on The Stairs. This was the first time I have seen a Orton play and the staging did give the feel of 60′s London or at least what those of us who were born to late to experience it think was 60′s London. The play was first stage in 1967 the year of Orton’s death and you can see why Orton was acclaimed as he was, however in this day and age with gay culture so mainstream and the references to homosexuality in the play being so oblique it must be wondered how long it will be before it is seen as ‘quaint’ . It was an enjoyable play the performance was good, sadly let down on the night by the prop gun not firing in the last scene but hey that’s live theatre.
4:48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane was second up on the bill. Psychosis is not a happy play, a feel good play or even a play that you can leave saying you enjoyed it. Psychosis is at the most simple interpretation a Suicide note in play form. Anyone who has been close to someone with depression or other mental health issues will see all the touchstones, routines and cycles. If you know nothing about such things, go and see the play.
The complex dialogue was very well handled. It was impressive to see the long pauses, that seemed to go on forever, ended by two voices saying the same words at exactly the same time, basically the stage craft was great.
Kev
