Repertory Theatre (Press, 25 September 1985)

The Repertory Theatre recently staged two one-act plays, “Old Comrades” by Robert Holies and “Rites” by Maureen Duffy, from 24 to 28 September 1985, directed by Penny Giddens. The theatre’s approach aimed to address an imbalance in male performers by choosing plays that feature a small male cast alongside a larger female cast. “Old Comrades” tells the story of retired Major Gerald Rutherford, who is portrayed by Patrick Dbwman, as he interacts with two soldiers from his past who took the blame for him during their military service. The review, written by Gerritt Bahlman, describes the script as predictable and reliant on an atmosphere of violence and latent cruelty. However, the production falls short of generating a believable sense of menace. The performances of Adrian McNamara and Allan Smith, who play the two soldiers, lack the necessary tension and confidence. While McNamara shows hints of what is needed in his delivery, Smith is noted for his imposing presence, yet does not convincingly portray the readiness for violence required by his character. The second piece, “Rites,” is set in a women's toilet in London around 1968, during a time of changing fashion with the emergence of mini-skirts. This play, which first debuted in an experimental programme at the National Theatre in 1969, flips the usual dynamics by instilling a feeling of menace towards men. The setting is governed by Ada, a monstrous female spider, played by Rozena Hallum. The play unfolds with a chorus of female characters, including office girls, a cleaner, an old tramp, widows, a suicidal girl, and housewives, which creates a blend of myth and reality. The narrative intertwines serious themes such as attempted suicide with darker elements like the brutal murder of a transvestite. The performance is described as forceful, with a detailed set designed by Giddens, effectively generating an atmosphere of hostility towards men. Overall, while the first play struggles to create the required tension, the second offers a stronger narrative driven by an ensemble cast. Both pieces reflect a unique exploration of themes relating to gender and power dynamics in a compelling yet challenging manner.

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