The Man Who: till 18 October
Nottingham
THE MAN WHO: Oliver Sacks, Peter Brook and Marie-Hélène Estienne
Nottingham Playhouse
Tkts: 0115 9419419. www.nottinghamplayhouse.co.uk
Runs: 1h 30m: no interval: till 18th October 2003: 7.45pm
Review: Jen Mitchell: 10th October
A stark portrayal of the mysteries of neurological disorders. I found myself wondering whether to know or not to know is better . . .
A fascinating experience, this play does not set out to offer explanations, reasons, cures or platitudes. It simply tells it like it is.
A series of scenes takes us through a variety of these neurological disorders, some of which are detailed in the programme notes to give the audience some little insight into what they are experiencing. The scenes are all played out on a minimalist set with the subtlest of lighting. Nothing detracts from the complexities of what is laid before us. Two television sets and a backdrop of windows doubling as a screen simultaneously show images of the patients as they undergo their therapy. The audience, as the patients, have no escape from what is before them.
The four actors take on various roles, all playing both patients and neurologists, their skills apparent as they slip seamlessly between characters. Clearly thoroughly researched, what was most startlingly evident in all of this was that the 'patients' have very clearly defined characters and personalities.
Most uncomfortable is the realisation that many of the sufferers appear to have no concept that their reality is not the reality of the majority. Watching, I found myself asking the question whether it is worse to know something is different or wrong, or whether not to know is preferable.
All that aside, this play is anything but bleak. There are moments of warmth and humour: sometimes the laughter is uneasy - a release of tension, an almost palpable relief.
Robin Harvey Edwards
Jonathan Oliver
Alan Perrin
Anthony Taylor
Director: Giles Croft
Designer: Helen Davies
Lighting Designer: Richard G Jones
Voice Coach: Sally Hague
2003-10-13 21:15:46