The Gate, Cardiff
Wed 14 Dec
Though the truth has an ability to clarify, it does not serve to bring any two people closer together. At least not in Closer, Patrick Marber’s darkly comic tale of relationships and desire. Described by the Sunday Times as “one of the best plays of sexual politics in the language,” Closer explores the dysfunctional interactions of four people preoccupied by love, the truth and self-interest. With moments of melodrama, tragedy and passion, this play, first performed in 1997, is one of the steamiest comedies of intimate emotions in the modern arts scene.
Following the story of writer Dan, doctor Larry, photographer Anna and ex-stripper Alice, Closer depicts the twists and turns, lies and betrayals of four people looking for love. With small-scale locales and evocative style, Closer honestly shows human experiences of love, sex and deception.
The production is brought to The Gate by their very own in-house company Bare Knuckle Theatre, who were established in early 2010. Bare Knuckle began on a mission to make original and exciting renditions of classic plays with compelling narratives, sincere acting and a wholly new theatre experience, stripped back to its pulsing heart. Bare Knuckle, who began with A Midsummer Night’s Dream and later moved on to Twelfth Night and Romeo and Juliet, are moving away from the works of Shakespeare for the first time with this production.
Bare Knuckle Theatre are dedicated to removing common preconceptions attached to classical plays, particularly the works of Shakespeare, while offering a little something for everybody. What better modern play for the company to start with than one of the most explosive and amusingly naughty works of the era?
With a strong play on the horizon and a promising future in further productions, musicals and workshops, Bare Knuckle Theatre promise to thrive in the coming year. Exclusively for adults, what better way is there to keep warm on a cold winter’s night than in the steamy company of the perpetually aroused Anna, Alice, Larry and Dan? Tickets: £10/£8. Info: 029 2048 3344 / www.thegate.org.uk EMMA POCKLINGTON
