The programming currently within Off-West End and Fringe Theatre,
this year has proven to be quite successful and the current production that is
presently amusing people at Tricycle Theatre, ‘True West’ was one that has been
portrayed with such integrity with shocking elements as well. ‘True West’, originally
written by Sam Shepard in 1980 portrays the mammoth differences between two
brothers, who give the impression that they need to regularly quarrel with each
other to show who is the harder sibling. The play is set in Southern California
where ambitious television and film writer, Austin, who is is caring for his mothers’
house whilst she's on holiday is frustrated with his older brother, Lee arrives,
after being on one of his adventures appears to endeavour to undermine Austin’s
aspirations. From the outset, Lee is an unsavoury character who thieves other people’s
possessions due to the fact that his life is hardly thrusting, whereas Austin’s
recent project, a romance script has received positive conversations with a
producer, where they hope it will inevitably be realised within a studio
atmosphere. Unluckily for Austin during a meeting with Saul Kimmer, the
producer, Lee rudely interrupts them and instigates a dastardly concept of a Western
film idea, which comprehends Saul’s interest with Austin's work to diminish
vastly. The production sympathises with the youngest brother, and when he
completes a challenge to steal the local residences toasters to show to Lee that
he can be prosperous with how he lives is superbly comical, and the array of
toasted bread and chaos that is increased throughout the performance was
somewhat outrageous. Shepard’s narrative it's exceedingly fluid and amazingly
engaging as we witness the rivalry between brothers who have such opposing
personalities, and how their prospects changes in ways that one found unfair. The performances by the company of ‘True West’
were admirably brilliant throughout. Eugene O'Hare is ideal as the hopeful scriptwriter,
Austin who engrosses his repugnance when his brother is creating a mockery of
his art, and his drunken moments were executed with such magnitude. Alex Ferns
is grand as the unpleasant, Lee. I did become slightly scared with the violent
rage that he exposes when he is confronted about his journeys across the
American desert, with a negative expression. Steven Elliott is marvellous as the
traitorous producer, Saul. He suggested how spiteful the entertainment industry
can be with such effect and precision. Philip Breen's direction is excellent
here as he has staged a revival that can turn and audience’s reaction from
laughter to sheer shock. Furthermore, I found that he apprehended the fraught
environment of brotherly relationships with tenacity and ease. Max Jones’ set
and costume designs are spectacular, as the atmosphere of South Californian
home works wonders entirely and the destruction which is progressed through
each scene transitions were particularly thrilling. I commiserate with the
whole Stage Management team, especially after each performance. Overall, the
experience of ‘True West’ was incredibly enjoyable and entertaining, and well
worth a ticket purchase.
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