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‘Burn This’ At Court (Press, 4 September 1989)

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Summary: ‘Burn This’ At Court (Press, 4 September 1989)

“Burn This,” a play by Lanford Wilson directed by Elizabeth Moody, was performed at The Court Theatre from September 2 to 15, 1989, with the running time from 8 p.m. to 10.35 p.m. In a review by Elody Rathgen, the play is described as embodying the fast-paced, intense spirit typical of New York Broadway productions. Central to its narrative are themes of choice between familiar comforts and passionate new experiences. The story revolves around the character Anna Mann, portrayed by Caroline Claver, whose life is upended following the death of her dance colleague, a talented young homosexual. The turmoil deepens when Anna encounters her late colleague’s family at the funeral, revealing their unfamiliarity with his talent and sexuality. As she attempts to return to her routine in New York, her life takes another turn when Pale, the brother of her deceased friend, enters the picture, disrupting her existing security and lifestyle. The initial performance struggled with an awkward start, but the atmosphere shifted dramatically with the entrance of Pale, played by K. C. Kelly. His portrayal injected energy into the play, where he effectively embodied a character marked by financial pursuit that brings little joy. Kelly's physical presence captured the frustrations of Pale, although his vigorous portrayal sometimes bordered on excessive bravado. Stephen Lovatt’s performance as Larry, Anna’s gay flatmate, received high praise for striking the right balance of humour and warmth. Claver’s depiction of Anna was deemed complex, caught in the tension between portraying the character's struggles for comedic effect or more serious engagement with her passionate entanglements. This ambiguity made Anna’s character feel less impactful than it could have been. Geoffrey Dolan rounded out the cast, contributing a sympathetic interpretation to his role as the least engaging character. The production eventually settled as the four actors developed strong chemistry, under Moody’s direction, which clarified moments of tension and humour. The set design notably conveyed a spacious New York studio flat, although some of Anna's costumes appeared overly dramatic and made Claver seem uncomfortable. “Burn This” marks the beginning of a series featuring four newly written plays, promising an engaging theatre experience in Christchurch. While the play does not convey a profound message, it presents a vibrant investigation into personal relationships and emotional complexities.

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Publish Date:4th September 1989
URL:https://www.pridenz.com/paperspast_chp19890904_2_61_1.html