Blasted at Duo Theater

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 9/12/13 at 5:49pm

Anyone see this yet? The Soho Rep production is still so vivid in my mind; I don't think I've ever left a play feeling both beaten-up and enthralled. Tempted to catch this production at Duo, but would really like some insight as to whether it's worth it. If done well, a Sarah Kane play can be staggering. Done poorly, on the other-hand, they can be a major chore.





Updated On: 9/12/13 at 05:49 PM

[RippedMan]

Posted: 9/12/13 at 11:45pm

I missed it the first go around, so I'd be curious to hear if this is worth going to.

[Play Esq.]

Posted: 9/15/13 at 10:57pm

Anyone?

[dshnookie]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 12:09pm

I saw this Saturday night, and forgive me as writing reviews is not my forte. I saw the 2008 Soho Rep production, and frankly the reason I wanted to revisit was that I didn't recall much of the play's text, but more so the shocking scenes that were much talked about, and was my primary motivation for seeing it in '08.

With a foggy memory, it's difficult for me to compare so I will speak to the play on its own merits. I thought the performances were very good and believable, especially during the more agonizing moments. They managed to build the tension nicely, and I felt uneasy throughout - this is saying something, as I'm not typically as affected during subsequent viewings. I took issue with the actress playing Cate and her characterization choice - perhaps it's called for in the script, but her Cate is played more schoolgirl-like, very victimized [don't recall if this was also the case in '08]. However, you get the impression that she knows enough or better to not have put herself in that situation and room with Ian. I found her motives muddled and confusing, and just an overall disconnectedness due to this characterization.

The set was simple but believable, and the subsequent "blast" and the resulting disarray was well done - I was unsure how well they'd be able to pull this off, and I was very pleased. Lighting was also very nicely done towards the end during Ian's sequence of living with his injury.

The audience was very squeamish, cringing and covering their faces - which I guess is a good thing. One thing I recall personally feeling when viewing the '08 production that I once again felt here was a sense of claustrophobia and impending danger during the blackout transition moments and the sound of heavy rain. I was surprised I recalled this feeling, and was happy that this production was able to recreate it.

Now that I was focused more on the text, I can't say I'd recommend the play on its text, but certainly the experience of watching the events unfold is worth seeing.

As a note, seating is general admission and the box office opens at 7:40. On Saturday, it didn't open until 7:55 due to a tech issue, and there was no line as everyone just crowded in the lobby (I had gotten there at 7:15, so I was a little peeved). The box office is upstairs, so I positioned myself in front of the stairs and was first up to select my seat. I recommend getting there early, while the floor has a slight rake - there will definitely be heads obstructing your view if you sit further back.

Updated On: 9/16/13 at 12:09 PM

[aaronb]

Posted: 9/16/13 at 5:26pm

Though the actors were very good, I had a lot of problems with this production--primarily, I don't think it succeeded in realistically pulling off Blasted's more shocking moments. This was particularly painful because the person I went with felt that it was childish and therefore entirely misunderstood the play as a result. I'm attaching a link to a review I wrote.
My review of BLASTED