NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND. To 4 November.

London

NOTES FROM UNDERGROUND
by Eric Bogosian
Trafalgar Studios (Studio 2) To 4 November 2006
Mon – Sat 7.45pm Mat Wed & Sat 3pm
Runs 1hr 15min No interval

TICKETS: 0870 060 6632
www.theambassadors.com

Tortured experience remains too tortuous.
New York is the setting and psychosis the subject in this modern day reworking of Dostoevsky’s classic 1864 short story. Essentially a dark and twisted tale of existential angst and alienation, the controversial text has been subject to numerous revivals, including a 1996 film adaptation and countless theatrical interpretations.

Such turbulent subject matter is becoming something of a trademark for American playwright and novelist Eric Bogosian; his most recent effort The Receipt similarly concerned a damaged, ailing protagonist engaged in psychic battle with the modern world. On the surface, this is a sound production. Perrier Award winner Will Adamsdale does a commendable job as the twitching, anonymous outcast; Trafalgar Studios’ intimate space provides the perfect claustrophobic setting, and director Adrian Osmond is just about able to keep up the pace.

What is really lacking is commitment. Admittedly, this is difficult material. The script is a ponderous, weighty affair, and the black humour, although effective, often detracts from any real sense of purpose. We are teased with fleeting moments of enlightenment; the anecdotes are effective but ultimately frustrating; and much of the integral depth of Dostoevsky’s original text is lost.

This is in no way helped by a halting climax. In a final, tragically misjudged attempt to integrate, the tortured protagonist kidnaps a five-year-old boy and his three-year-old sister. He drugs them, and further abuse is implied. A shocking turn of events by any means, and yet our response is strangely muted. We hear no more of the children, and witness no apparent consequence. A short speech is made, not dissimilar in tone to the rest of the performance, and we come to an abrupt halt.

What is frustrating about this production is the sense of wasted potential. Bogosian is an excellent writer; his previous work notably original and well-received. Adamsdale is more than able to hold his own and this material, when dealt with properly, can be dark, telling and ultimately wrenchingly accurate. Perhaps with a little more energy, a little more conviction, this could be a truly compelling experience. Sadly, we are left with a somewhat uneven production that never fully delivers.

Cast: Will Adamsdale

Director: Adrian Osmond
Designer: Jon Bausor
Lighting: Rick Fisher
Sound: Chris Branch

2006-10-22 12:04:30