Stage

Closerdir Jennifer O’Ddonnell22 – 26 NovemberMichael Pilch StudioPutting on a production that has been adapted into an Oscar-nominated screenplay is a colossal undertaking. However, apart from being forced to answer the incessant  question, “Who is playing Jude Law?”, O’Donnell takes care to steer the piece  away from its film counterpart.  The production stays true to how  the playwright, Patrick Maber, would have wanted  it to be performed, including the original, very different, ending.Centred around four young and attractive characters in their pursuit of emotional fulfilment and sexual gratification, the two couples that exist at the start of the play break up, re-form and even swap partners, each character being driven by passion and sexual desire. Although the references to sex are frequent and often graphic, it is clear that the theme has not been included merely for the titillation of the audience. I indeed, one of the most striking features of this play is the way in which it handles the theme in such a mature and pertinent way, examining the role of sex in modern relationships. Furthermore, Ccloser deals with the overpowering emotions of love and lust and the potential for conflict between the two.This production aims to capture the play’s intensity, even claustrophobia, as we see the characters become entrapped by their own sexual exploits, which is certainly helped by the intimate venue of the Ppilch. E even in the back row of the small studio, one feels close to the characters and engaged in the play’s action. Very few props and a highly simplistic set mean that the focus of the play is drawn on to the small cast, who must work together to bring the play to life. This is a task generally undertaken very successfully, each actor displaying a deep understanding of the complexity of their character. Particularly impressive are the scenes of intimacy in which no inhibitions are revealed to the audience, the passion between the characters being powerfully evoked.The focus on conveying intimacy does lead to some rather static scenes in which the potential for movement has not been fully realised. However, this is a minor criticism which should not detract from what is otherwise a very strong piece. With or without prior knowledge of the Hhollywood version, Closer is definitely a production worth seeing.ARCHIVE: 6th week MT 2005