Chichester Festival Theatre – until Wednesday 4th November
Reviewed by Heather Chalkley
5*****
Sarah Kane’s modern masterpiece Crave is a weirdly apt reflection of the pandemic world we are living in right now. The poetry and symmetry of her words are brought to life in a unique stage set of travelators, allowing 2 metres social distance between the actors whilst providing stillness, movement, light and dark to be seen from every angle. The capture of familiar words from old texts woven into the dialogue, gives an added richness and depth.
The individuality and interconnectedness of the characters draws you in to their worlds. Jonathan Slinger (A) delivers an astounding monologue that is so believable you live it with him as he speaks. Erin Doherty (C) creates such a sense of anguish; I could physically feel her pain. The sardonic, passive-aggressive nature of B (Alfred Enoch), carried an extreme sense of worthlessness. The tight grip of the older man and the light grip of the younger man on the objects of their love, creates a spotlight on one another.
I identified with Wendy Kweh’s ‘M’ in as much as we are a similar age, however I know I will be thinking for days about this character and feel like I need to see it all again to get to grips with it! Throughout the performance, what seem like throw away lines from the characters, that cause the audience to titter or send a shock of uncomfortableness, are well placed to weave and connect.
The use of pre-recorded and live filming on the backdrop increased the intensity, helping you to get right inside each characters’ longing for a deep connection with another person. Inevitably you will recognise yourself inside their somewhere.