This bleak, brutal and brilliant play explodes with anger, repression and pain at The Ustinov Studio.
Lindsay Duncan as Alice in The Dance Of Death | Photo © Alex Brenner
Whilst it is a challenging watch; it is utterly compelling with breathtaking central performances.
We meet Alice played by the luminous Lindsay Duncan in a long unhappy marriage to the tyrannical, unforgiving Captain, the terrifying Hilton Mcrae.
It is a microscopic dissection of control, isolation and the impossibility of escaping a loveless marriage where death seems to be the only release.
There is dark comedy and expertly handled script by this fearsome duo. The crushing loss of careers, the promise of love and the expectation of coexisting in a long relationship is brought into sharp focus.
The bewildering mix of lies, deception and confusion created by ill health and sheer control is a hard watch, but the energy is palpable, and the tension never lets up.
Katrin (Emily Bruni) brings an uncomfortable presence; the third role created for a woman on this occasion whereas usually a male character shifts the balance a little, but it is hard to impact on the magnificent chemistry between Alice and Captain.
The most glorious design by Grace Smart is stunning. Creating a suffocating decaying glory of rustic wood and the gloomy storm echoing around. David Howe lights with great atmosphere; capturing the shadows of the redundant chandelier with an eerie beauty.
This is an excellent production directed by Mehmet Ergen, well worth a watch. It races through in eighty minutes leaving you breathless and in awe.
_ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _
Reviewer: Petra Schofield
