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| Edinburgh : A&E : Theatre: Reviews |
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Theatre listings > American Double Bill Two at forefront of entertainment According to Bradley from Four Dogs and a Bone 'theatre is like the outback of entertainment.' If he'd been a member of the audience for the Arches' American Double Bill, he would've definitely reconsidered this comment. Programming two Scottish premieres that, on the surface, appear overwhelmingly different was a risk. Yet the Arches, once again, have pulled it off - showcasing great writing, acting and comedy in one evening's entertainment. Shanley's Four Dogs and a Bone, a play about making a movie, highlights the politics of any artistic endeavour. We're introduced to the economic concerns of producer Bradley, Grant Smeaton, the creative dilemmas of writer Victor, Vincent Friell, and the quest for fame of the star Collette, Morag Stark and starlet Brenda, Selina Boyack. It's through their attempts to gain control of the picture that Collette and Brenda contribute to their downfall, and it's Williams' Lord Byron's Love Letter that offers an insight into what they could become. Williams' little known play focuses upon two old and faded Southern Bells, who claim to possess Lord Byron's Love Letter. Their sole source of income is to entice tourists into their crumbling apartment under the premise that they'll reveal the contents of the letter. Even though the two plays do not correspond in terms of era and style, the rawness of Shanley's writing and the poetry of Williams' text compliment each other perfectly. Stark and Boyack give engaging performances in both roles, with Boyack in particular excelling as Brenda. Her performance is a complete lesson in characterisation - each movement, intonation and expression works towards revealing more about this character's warped psyche. Both plays are definite black comedies, with Four Dogs and a Bone
drawing influence from a Mamet-esque style of humour and language. The
tragedy of Williams' dark comedy is emphasised by the dimly lit set, allowing
each figure to almost be a silhouette, highlighting the demise of the
two women further. This Arches' American Double Bill is definitely
at the forefront of theatrical entertainment, combining well-crafted comedy
with poignancy. Theatre listings >>
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