|
"The Power Of Yes": You
could read "F.I.A.S.C.O" by Frank Partnoy, which pretty much explains how the
current economic crisis came about. This, though, is slightly more
accessible as David Hare (represented by himself) asks his own questions and
dramatises the answers. It's a bit long - maybe an interval would have been a
good idea - and occasionally lacks humour maybe... but the point gets across.
Names are named, motivations explained, actions examined, a predictable
conclusion reached. If theatre is a means of dissecting society, then Hare has
done a pretty good blunt dissection here. A show trial is pretty much avoided,
but this surely makes the evidence clear to the audience jury watching, and the
monkey would convict.
The Habit of Art: Probably Alan Bennett's attempt to prove that he can do
more than a "cuddly schooldays memoir." Still hung up on the education world
setting a little, but this time he does the tricky stuff by playing with layers.
See the National Theatre rehearsal room... now See the academic's home. Nicholas
Hytner handles the onion with skill arguably greater than he has shown for a
while. You'll need a far greater academic knowledge of Auden and Britten than
the monkey has to get the most from the play, but Hytner at least allows those
less educated to follow pretty well - and maximises the comedy to provide
contrast for those lost in the metaphorical bits.
The cast, including last minute replacement and History Boys survivor Richard
Griffiths ensure that they will be remembered; the professional reviewers have
mostly raved over both them and the production; and a big name writer again
produces a big play in arguably the best theatre in the world. Every cliché is
present and correct, and if the monkey has enjoyed other plays more, it won't
spoil anything by saying so here. If you can get a ticket, it's an event any
theatregoer will want to catch as usual.
The White Guard: Not available.
After the Dance: Not available.
|