Definitely the best of the season so far (with all due apologies to Poor Boy), "Realism" carries with it the thrill of genuine theatre. Though one doesn't realise it at the time, the first three-quarters or so is really just an extended set up for the final turn (and subsequent coda) in which the 'Tragedy of Meyerhold' is actually enacted...though having written that, to describe it as 'just' a set up does the play a disservice, for it's essential to the whole that what is to come be framed by the relatively naturalistic earlier stages - all the parts speak to each other. And nor is it particularly didactic, I don't think - though, equally, it doesn't fall into the trap of merely 'presenting' the differing perspectives on realism, etc that it embodies. The cast is generally strong, and overall very engaging; the set is magnificent (the new theatre on Southbank Blvd is working out really well), and the direction intelligent. I really feel like reading "Realism" now, and perhaps seeing it again. A great success.
[part of an MTC subscription with Steph, Sunny & co]
[part of an MTC subscription with Steph, Sunny & co]
