The Hope Theatre in Islington uses the strapline, ‘the little
theatre with big ideas’, and over my last few visits, I have seen some
excellent new work, particularly Adam and Eve and Fat Jewels. Eugene Ionesco’s
The Lesson is The Hope’s seventh in-house production under award-winning
Artistic Director, Matthew Parker who is also directing. It was fascinating to
overhear his conversation with an audience member before the performance of his
clear passion for the work of Ionesco, which was also reiterated in his
director’s note in the programme.
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| Roger Alborough |
The Lesson is a tightly-written three-hander featuring the
Professor (Roger Alborough), the Pupil (Sheetal Kapoor) and the Maid (Joan
Potter). It tells the story of ‘an enthusiastic young student who arrives at
The Professor’s house for her lesson, she is wide-eyed and ready to learn. But
no amount of studying can prepare her for the odyssey that lies ahead’. As the
absurd and nonsensical lesson progresses, the Professor grows more and more
angry with what he perceives as the Pupil's stupidity, and the Pupil becomes
quieter and meeker. Even her health begins to degenerate, and what starts as a
toothache develops into her entire body aching. To go further would be a
massive spoiler to the outcome of this preeminent example of the Theatre of the
Absurd.
On arriving into the auditorium, you are faced with the Maid
frantically cleaning the central white set comprising of a table, chairs and
white tiled floor, with the hint of disinfectant hanging in the air. The walls
that surround the space are painted in blackboard paint and are heavily chalked
with words, diagrams and drawings. Rachel Ryan’s set design is calmly manic and
adds to the pertinence of the piece with it subtle, yet ultimately overpowering
relevance. This is augmented by the brilliant soundscape by Simon Arrowsmith
which heightens the tension all the way through.
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| Sheetal Kapoor |
Roger Alborough’s portrayal of the Professor grows throughout,
and his depiction of the absurdity of the complex dialogue is masterful yet at
the same time menacingly macabre. His execution of Ionesco’s illogical
explanation of philology is joyously deranged. Sheetal Kapoor as the Pupil is
beautifully concise and succinct in her portrayal and is fascinating to watch
as she transforms from a precise student to a terrified, confused victim in a
horrible, cruel repetitive drama. Joan Potter as the Maid reinforces the
absurdity of the situation with her regular warnings of events to come and
makes palpable the sense of foreboding and inevitability inherent in the piece.
Matthew Parker’s direction exemplifies his deep passion for
Ionesco’s writing, and the control and motivation that he elicits from the
performances are superb. Seemingly there is a deep trust between the actors
and, while space is tight, this only goes to add to the menace and craziness
inherent in the writing.
The Lesson is ultimately the embodiment of the absurd and a
testament to a play that was written over 60 years ago and still strongly
resonates today - lesson learned.
Photos courtesy lhphotoshots
The Lesson plays at The Hope Theatre until 13 October
For tickets, CLICK HERE
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