Torture For Minority (Press, 6 September 1976)
This is a Generative AI summary of this newspaper article. It may contain errors or omissions. Please note that the language in the summary is reflective of the original article and the societal attitudes of the time in which it was written.
Summary: Torture For Minority (Press, 6 September 1976)
The Court Theatre in Christchurch recently staged "Butley," written by Simon Gray and directed by Bryan Aitken. The play explores the life of an English teacher, Butley, as he navigates his professional inadequacies and the complexities of his personal life on the first day back after school vacation. This day is often spent dealing with the aftermath of unmarked essays, something that resonates deeply with the educational community. Butley stands out from his peers due to several unique characteristics: he possesses a taste for fine Scottish whisky, faces a constant influx of jealous homosexuals in his office, and has the means to purchase quality New Zealand lamb kidneys. This backdrop creates a distinct comedic tension that appeals differently based on the audience's perspective, whether they relate more to the experiences of a teacher or to the narrative of a homosexual butcher's son. Promoted as a rich source of entertainment, “Butley” leverages humor not only from Gray's writing but also from Aitken’s directorial finesse and the outstanding performances of the lead actors. Peter Tulloch takes on the title role, delivering a remarkable display of stage energy and expertly timing his lines for maximum comedic and dramatic effect. His performance adds a significant layer of intelligence and emotional depth, leaving the audience in a prolonged silence at the conclusion of the play. Philip Holder is praised for his versatility, portraying a character with a demeanor reminiscent of a character from Beatrix Potter. His performance provides a humorous contrast to the more serious themes unfolding in the play. Supporting roles are also noteworthy, with Robert Shannon impressing as the butcher's son, despite an unsuccessful attempt at dialect. Elizabeth Moody’s role as a senior staff member battling with an eccentric professor garners appreciation for her comedic timing and presence. Overall, "Butley" illustrates the comedic struggles within the New Zealand educational system, and Howard McNaughton’s review highlights the play’s successful blend of humour and poignant character development. The establishment of a resident company this year at the theatre has been deemed beneficial, and the emphasis on male roles has resulted in commendable performances. The production encapsulates a unique perspective on the challenges faced by educators, showcased through expertly crafted theatre.
Important Information
The text on this page is created, in the most part, using Generative AI and so may contain errors or omissions. It is supplied to you without guarantee or warranty of correctness. If you find an error or would like to make a content suggestion please get in contact
The text on this page is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 3.0 New Zealand