Unrealistic idealism
THE acting ability of the Joint Stock Theatre Group, now occupying the Royal Court Theatre is considerable, but its idealism completely unrealistic.
"Devil's Island", by Tony Bicat, according to the programme, lasts 105 minutes and there is no interval. Any professional playwright or company knows that bar takings are essential to the existence of a theatre and in some cases to the welfare of the audience.
The play is critical of the ruthlessness of big business and the ways of finance, and argues that there are no rules by which the game is played.
Good theatre also has rules. It requires craftsmanship from the writer, and he must interest the audience. This, alas! is missing in the case of "Devil's Island".
J.K.