Fascinating Experiment In “eros Blight” (Press, 4 December 1969)

The premiere of "Eros Blight," written, produced, and performed by local playwright Richard Brooke, took place from December 3 to 6, 1969, at the Canterbury Society of Arts Gallery. The production offered a compelling experience for adventurous theatre-goers, although its quality seemed reliant on the support of The Group and new talents, which helped avoid any descent into pretentiousness. The performance, lasting around an hour and a half without an intermission, was divided into two distinct sections. The first part featured a transvestite character played by John Bach, drawing parallels to the flamboyant character from Lanford Wilson’s "Madness of Lady Bright." This section lacked a clear resolution but gained depth with the introduction of a family group, adding significance to the central symbol of a crimson cross. The imagery escalated towards the end, culminating in a striking visual of a grotesque red slide, which foreshadowed a poignant moment involving the painted cross and a suffering character. The dialogue in "Eros Blight" was inconsistent, exhibiting both weak and strong moments. Some lines, such as “You are in the presence of divine!” and “Oh, you speak in riddles, dear,” felt contrived, while other exchanges seamlessly integrated poetic elements. The script benefited from more conversational tones, steering away from overbearing poetic styles. The use of projected photographs and a short film of the transvestite in public added a layer of humour and creativity, further enhancing the production. Additionally, the lighting design effectively created contrasts with the vivid costuming, adding a stark visual quality to the piece. The soundtrack featured a mix of electronic music, pop vocals, and jazz, creating an engaging auditory backdrop. The titles of the two parts, "Men without men" and "The queer passion," suggested a thematic depth that resonated with the predominantly female audience, although one attempt at audience engagement fell flat. Despite some reservations and uncertainties regarding the overall execution, Richard Brooke was praised for his ambitious effort and the innovative spirit he brought to local theatre, offering a fresh experiment that could potentially broaden the horizons of the Canterbury arts scene.

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