BrooklynWritten by Rose Martula
World Premiere, Presented by Good Night Out
The Cock Tavern Theatre
08/09/2009 - 26/09/2009
* Darkly funny, disturbing, and masterfully written.
Playwright Rose Martula has been called “the Chekhov of her generation”. She was selected by Dramatists Guild Magazine as “1 of 50 playwrights to watch”, and interest in her plays has been received by the likes of the Royal Court Theatre, the Manhattan Theatre Club, and the Yale School of Drama/Yale Repertory Theatre. She has been nominated for a LARK Pony-Fellowship in New York, and was chosen as a semi-finalist for the 2009 Princess Grace Awards. This is a playwright of undeniable skill and appeal, and her newest play, “Brooklyn”, is a continued display of her talent and creativity. Ms. Martula’s play is a rapid-fire dialogue, which builds in intensity over its hour run time to a harrowing and shocking conclusion.
This is a story of a family attempting to cope with unthinkable loss. Lindsay has become her father Saul’s keeper, as his drug induced rages and hallucinations spiral out of control and threaten to destroy the both of them. Saul snorts cocaine and drinks constantly, and his moods shift instantaneously from egomaniacal ramblings to fits of anger and depression. Their apartment, once cheery and full of life, is now hazardous: the heat and hot water have been disconnected, the electricity promises to follow, there isn’t a scrap of food in sight, and the scratching sounds of rats can be heard constantly. Even still, the only thought on Saul’s mind is where he’ll get his next fix, and he begs Lindsay to take their remaining cash and go out to replenish his drug supply. What Saul doesn’t know is that Lindsay has reached her breaking point. She has decided that their cycle of life must stop, and that it must stop today.
It may seem difficult or even impossible to imagine this story line being hysterically funny, but such is Rose Martula’s gift. She has also been blessed with an astoundingly capable cast, who bring her characters fragile lives to reality with passion and skill. As Saul, Jud Charlton is fascinating and entertaining to watch, having perfectly captured the actions and mannerisms of an addict. His pain, guilt, and enduring love for his family are apparent, but he believes himself powerless to fight his addictions. Jessica Ashworth’s portrayal of Lindsay is also excellent, rife with inner turmoil and strength. However, perhaps the best performance is by Michael Goldsmith as Saul’s son Brian, providing a capable sparring partner for his father and infusing the production with humor. Directed by Russ Hope, the staging in “Brooklyn” is nothing short of perfection. This is a thoroughly engaging and entertaining piece of theatre. See it while you can. 5 Stars.
Playing through September 26th at the Cock Tavern Theatre in Kilburn. Review written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Review: http://www.fringereview.co.uk
