'A Couple of Cold Ones' written by Paul Barker opened tonight as part of the OUDS New Writing Festival at the BT. Set in an appartment in Chicago, three students and a visitor spend a night in.
The two act play begins with Chris, genuine and likeable, writing an essay on his laptop. Quite quickly we are introduced to Jack who appears to be a little off centre and bounces neatly from Chris' grounded and rational persona. The third housemate, Tim, enters bringing with him Becky who he has inadvertently 'picked up' during his evening out. She immediately proves herself to be drunk and emotional and causes the boys to debate a plan of action.
There is clear evidence of game play on varying levels within the piece. The flatmates clearly enjoy challenging one another with chess and inventive word games but in addition, there are games played out within the narrative. Story telling is frequently employed to give the audience a better understanding of the character's history and is done with real integrity and authenticity.
What's most appealing about Barker's writing is his keen observational skill. He gives space and importance to things often taken for granted; describing and delighting in, for example, the sounds and smells of a simple night walk to the pizza take out, the way light falls and creates shadow, the sight of someone engaged in conversation. His ability to create believable and yet poetic monologues for his characters allows the audience to empathise and associate effectively.
It's somewhat difficult to remain focused on reviewing the writing itself when you are also forced to take into account a director's and actor's interpretation of the script. I was fortunate enough to read through the play before watching the production and was intrigued to note similarities to that of Lonergan's This is Our Youth, particularly in setting and theme. Interestingly enough, Barker himself recently acted in a production of 'This is Our Youth' [Moser Theatre, HT Week 5]. Speaking briefly with the author, he was quick to mention that he had written the script before even being introduced to Lonergan's work and was struck by the similarities himself. One may assume then, that his ability to construct such a naturalistic and convincing narrative is drawn from personal experience and a phenomenal eye for human detail.
'A Couple of Cold Ones' was both entertaining and thought provoking - I'd recommend you see it before the festival ends.
The two act play begins with Chris, genuine and likeable, writing an essay on his laptop. Quite quickly we are introduced to Jack who appears to be a little off centre and bounces neatly from Chris' grounded and rational persona. The third housemate, Tim, enters bringing with him Becky who he has inadvertently 'picked up' during his evening out. She immediately proves herself to be drunk and emotional and causes the boys to debate a plan of action.
There is clear evidence of game play on varying levels within the piece. The flatmates clearly enjoy challenging one another with chess and inventive word games but in addition, there are games played out within the narrative. Story telling is frequently employed to give the audience a better understanding of the character's history and is done with real integrity and authenticity.
What's most appealing about Barker's writing is his keen observational skill. He gives space and importance to things often taken for granted; describing and delighting in, for example, the sounds and smells of a simple night walk to the pizza take out, the way light falls and creates shadow, the sight of someone engaged in conversation. His ability to create believable and yet poetic monologues for his characters allows the audience to empathise and associate effectively.
It's somewhat difficult to remain focused on reviewing the writing itself when you are also forced to take into account a director's and actor's interpretation of the script. I was fortunate enough to read through the play before watching the production and was intrigued to note similarities to that of Lonergan's This is Our Youth, particularly in setting and theme. Interestingly enough, Barker himself recently acted in a production of 'This is Our Youth' [Moser Theatre, HT Week 5]. Speaking briefly with the author, he was quick to mention that he had written the script before even being introduced to Lonergan's work and was struck by the similarities himself. One may assume then, that his ability to construct such a naturalistic and convincing narrative is drawn from personal experience and a phenomenal eye for human detail.
'A Couple of Cold Ones' was both entertaining and thought provoking - I'd recommend you see it before the festival ends.