THE NEST. To 26 April

THE NEST
by Franz Xaver Kroetz
Translated by David Schneider

Arcola Theatre to 26 April 2003
Tues to Sat 8pm
Sun 5pm
One hour fifteen minutes, no interval
TICKETS 020 7503 1646

Franz Xaver Kroetz's play skilfully deals with global issues through the small world of a working-class couple.This two-hander is part of the Arcola's German season; a bold foray to present rarely seen works to a London audience. And, in general, you can see why The Nest is worth profiling.

Part of the intrigue of this piece is in the handling of the banality of Martha and Kurt's initial exchanges. Their worries about the costs of bringing a new baby into the world are presented with a light rhythmic touch - as much to the credit of translator Schneider and performers Elizabeth Hurran and Robert Bowman as to the author. The result is an awkward humour, as if we know that the couple is on the edge of tragedy.

And, inevitably, this very ordinary couple are tested by external circumstances when lorry driver Kurt is misled into dumping poison into the water supply - affecting their own new born baby. At this point the production, for a moment, becomes less convincing as the suppressed emotions spill over into melodrama. The central performances are at their most compelling when dealing with subtext - the unsaid tension between the protagonists. When the characters start arguing, the result feels a bit contrived.

Nevertheless, this is a production that has been pulled together with considerable craft by director Elen Bowman. On stage musician Simon Allen creates a very poignant and subtle soundtrack, complementing Soutra Gilmour's highly resonant sparse set, Emma Chapman's evocative lighting design and detailed and focused performances by Elizabeth Hurran and Robert Bowman.

Given Martha and Kurt's harrowing emotional journeys, The Nest is a surprisingly cool experience. In a sense, this artistic choice gives the play's themes of loyalty and human value a chance to breathe. Kroetz cleverly keeps us guessing as to how the external pressures will affect the couple - with no easy heroism or pessimistic tragic conclusion. In the end, this ambiguity is the play's strength.

Martha: Elizabeth Hurran
Kurt: Robert Bowman

Director: Elen Bowman
Designer: Soutra Gilmour
Lighting: Emma Chapman
Composer: Simon Allen

2003-04-27 13:46:04