MANY LOVES. William Carlos Williams to 30 November

MANY LOVES
By William Carlos Williams

Lilian Baylis Theatre to 30 November
Mon - Sat 8pm

2h. One interval.

TICKETS : 020 7863 8000
Review Danny Braverman 14 November

An intriguing structure masks a hollow and frustrating piece
Peter is a middle-aged wealthy man, an angel to a play written and directed by Hubert. Peter is infatuated with the earnest Hubert, who in turn is in love with leading lady Alise. The tension between this trio is played out as Hubert's latest production, three playlets on the theme of love, is presented for Peter's approval. So, in fact, we have four contrasting perspectives of love - all compromised by circumstance.

The American poet William Carlos Williams wrote the three playlets first and then added the rehearsal framing-device to create a full-length piece. Curiously, given that passion is the main theme, we're presented with more an intellectual conundrum than an emotional journey. The main strand largely consists of dialogue between Hubert and Peter ostensibly on the nature of theatre, but the subtext is about their power-relationship. This leads to a meta-fictional shadow cast over the proceedings, the play forever commenting on itself.

At one point Peter says "… if the play isn't interesting they leave." Well, this play is interesting enough as a puzzling diversion, but that doesn't necessarily make it good. In fact, its overt cleverness makes it in the end a frustrating experience.

This isn't helped by the over-fussy production. The meticulous blocking, pointed lighting and clinical-feeling set create a slightly mannered and emotionally cold experience. And, despite the precision of the performances, there are unnerving lapses by the cast - occasionally garbling their words and allowing the odd plummy English accent to peek through the American.

Of course, there is an extra layer of irony, when a play about both love and theatre is produced with such an obvious investment of time and energy. It begs the question the play posits about love - is it really worth lavishing so much attention with so little return?

John Cunningham: Peter
Sean Pritchett: Hubert
Aria Sandis: Alise, Serafina, Agnes Breen, Clara.
Amy Enticknap: Kelly, a cello player
Chris Bridgett: The Minister, a man, a real estate agent
Michael Lovatt: Laddie, Horace
Jethro Skinner: The Boyfriend, Fred
Sam Beazley: A bar owner, George
Jude Alderson: A woman, Mattie
Michelle Frew: A girl, Ann,
Natalie Bromley: A young woman with a baby, Lil
Lisa Hogg: Jukebox singer, Min
Jonathan Tanner: Pete Thompson, Doc
Pamela Gibson: Aunt Kate
Georgia Forde: A child

Directors: David Sibley, Constantine Sandis
Designer: Ellie Papageorgakopoulou
Lighting Designer: David Lawrence for Equation Productions

2002-11-18 18:08:18