(Theatre Royal Bath Productions, Kenny Wax Limited, Simon Friend)
A bijoux Manhattan apartment, with a view of the Hudson
River (from the bathroom), becomes the figurative Coliseum for a gladiatorial
dispute between two Jewish cousins over the ownership of a treasured family
heirloom. Described as a comedy, this contemporary story by Joshua
Harmon frantically explores issues about modern culture, society, religion and
family in an incredibly emotive fashion. Passions run so high that the action
becomes farcical in an almost Faulty Towers style.
Daphna is fanatically religious and as the only practicing
Jew believes, without question, she should have her grandfather’s Chai
medallion, which he managed to hold onto during his years in the concentration
camps during the Holocaust. Liam, her wealthy cousin and atheist, however,
already has possession of the heirloom and intended to give it to his
girlfriend, Melody, when he proposed, just as his grandfather did to their
grandmother. Liam’s brother, Jonah, does his utmost to not be drawn into the
dispute but, unfortunately, with little success.
Ailsa Joy’s character, Daphna is obnoxious, overbearing and
immensely dislikeable and we can only hope that she is proving her metal as an
awesome performer and nothing like this girl in real life. Equally infuriating
and annoying is her cousin Liam, perfectly played by Daniel Boyd, whose rant
half way through the show is applause worthy. Jos Slovick is incredibly
focused and brings a wonderful stillness and admirable restraint to the part of
Jonah and Antonia Kinlay is superb as Melody, the surprising voice of wisdom
during in the heat of battle. All of the performances are faultless and the
subject matter thought provoking.
For me, this wasn’t a comedy but more a drama, a reflection
of life, which has moments of comedy. The subject matter and humour is very
American. The playwright presented a style of play typical of many American
dramatists, where the focus is on people and emotions more than plot. It is extremely
refreshing to have the opportunity to see contemporary writing and I am a huge
fan of the modern trend of one act plays. This Theatre Royal Bath production
delivers on quality, as always, and gives plenty to think about on the way
home. It runs at Malvern Festival Theatre until Saturday.
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