Lisa Clatworthy finds herself not only transplanted to the States, but also time travelling
Visit the Arts Theatre this week and you’ll be transported from the cool auditorium in our academic city to a claustrophobic sitting room in sultry Chicago by Bruce Norris’ play Clybourne Park
The play also transports you to two different times – the first act is in 1959 and the second 2009. Deftly satirising the two eras, it examines the same themes in each act. The characters in both eras are played by the same ensemble of actors, with Mark Womack as both Russ and Dan and Gloria Onitiri as Francine and Lena stealing the night for me.
With both acts in the same room, the stage is set for a narrow play, reflecting the narrow-minded attitudes of the characters. If you imagine that these narrow mindsets only apply to the 1959 act, you’re in for a surprise as the play examines racism, real estate and gentrification, homophobia and stereotyping in both centuries.
“In each case, the attitude of the day is neatly demonstrated, often by seemingly innocuous conversation”
At times, it feels like there’s too much going on, as quite often all the actors are on stage at once, in that one room; when they’re all arguing, I found it overwhelming. Cleverly designed though by Jonathan Fensom, the room contains the action well and good use of details, such as a foot locker and radio, ensure you’re always in the right year.
The room isn’t the only constraint, time is also constrained. In both acts, characters refer to schedules, just as other themes such as community spirit, kindness and working environments are mirrored in the two acts. In each case, the attitude of the day is neatly demonstrated, often by seemingly innocuous conversation, such as 1959’s Bev and Russ trading capital city names.
The single room setting hints at sitcom, but while this play is funny in parts (sometimes offensively so), it’s not a funny play. The humour masks serious issues, and the question as to whether attitudes have changed in the ensuing 50 years.
Whether or not you want a serious evening out, Clybourne Park is an entertaining and lively play.
Clybourne Park is Cambridge Arts Theatre until Saturday 14 May.
Interested? Read more here.
