Closer than Close

Before this critic gets reviewing, I should admit that I arrived at the theatre late, finding myself thrown headlong into the intense interpersonal action of Closer. The black curtained, concrete shell of Strictly Designers United in Wharf 1846 proved a bit elusive for this latecomer and only after being shepherded by a fellow straggler did I find the space.

For those unfamiliar with the 1997 play or its 2004 film version, the plot concerns the intertwined lives of two men, Dan (Jim Bennett) and Larry (Deji Odunlami), and two women, Alice (Isobel Yeung) and Anna (Emilie Ohana). After a chance encounter, Dan and Alice begin a relationship together, as do Larry and Anna until desire, jealousy and revenge intervene. As these couples swap around, tempers flair and machinations abound.

While the play is filled with explicit references to sexuality, including a projection of a cybersex conversation and erotic dancing (Alice is a stripper for a living), the play's themes rise above the corporeal to challenge some of our deepest convictions about the power of truth and love, as well as our capacity for forgiveness. For this reason, the play is demanding of all its actors. They must fiery, pigheaded and self-serving, but they must also convey genuine feelings of remorse and internal struggle. And much to the credit of the entire cast, on the whole, they succeed.

Odunlami's Larry struts, growls and yells with the power of the "caveman" that he confesses to being in one scene, but also communicates moments of genuine tenderness and pity. Bennett's self-absorbed Dan finds himself capable of sudden longing and genuine reflection. Ohana's Anna exhudes deep empathy and guilt, but also a hidden selfishness. Yeung's Alice seems brash and self-assured, but conveys a whoe nebula of conflicts roiling beneath the surface.

Still, there are moments when its seems all the actors could use a moment or two more to coil up before striking with their fangs. This proves especially true during the moments of quick, back and forth dialogue (that's stichomythia for you theatre buffs) at some of the play's most heated moments. The repartee flies so quickly that it proves difficult to engage with the characters as much as we could.

Director Charles Mayer's minimal staging of the play is also to be commended. The use of video and swooning late 90's pop rock (OK Computer, anyone?) complements the action without overwhelming it. The team of stagehands in black hoodies and bandanas are also worthy of note, making frequent set changes quickly and smoothly with choreographed precision.

Blue Lane's Closer runs from today until June 19. 8pm (7pm doors). RMB 200 (RMB 180 presale). Strictly Furniture Showroom (Wharf 1846), Bldg 3, 601 Waima Lu, near Maojiayuan Lu, 138 1763 4907, bluelaneboxoffice@gmail.com