Arcola Theatre
Playing until 3rd August 2024
Photo credit: Jake Bush
Review {AD-PR Gifted}
No matter how non-committal a relationship is, there is bound to be some level of engagement after sex. The two focal characters of this play, known only as Him (Azan Ahmed) and Her (Antonia Salib), are work colleagues that have started to engage in regular sexual intercourse. Although they enjoy the attention from the other person, neither of them is ready to define their relationship.
This is a succinct story, an hour long play featuring the two characters’ conversations each time they had slept with each other. Their sex is portrayed through a series of delicate dances and movements while the two are stripped down to only a white t-shirt and shorts. Stella Moss’s direction on the two characters’ intimacy is well choreographed and effective, drawing out their respective attraction toward each other. This complements Siofra Dromgoole’s script, highlighting Him and Her’s fetishes and fantasies as they engage in further acts to fulfil their desires.
Despite the fact that there is mutual attraction, there is clearly still a gaping chasm that separates them. As demonstrated Pip Terry's stage, the two characters frequently stand on platforms on either side of the set, creating an invisible wall between them. Although they yearn to be closer to each other, neither one of them is willing to take another step forward. This becomes apparent when he receives a call from his mother, to which she initiated questions to dive deeper and he is unwilling to do so. Unfortunately, even though she presses him to engage and he shows signs of giving in, she then quickly changes the topic to genitals. While I acknowledge that just like him, she isn't ready nor does she want to get too involved, this felt awkward and disruptive to the overall flow of the story and the tension that had been built up.
While the two actors demonstrated the sexual tension between the two characters, their delivery of the spoken words did not scream out love nor passion in my opinion, particularly when they are not engaged in topics related to sex. It would have been more convincing to employ a more dynamic and broader range of delivery, touching upon both softer and exaggerated approaches to demonstrate the characters’ love for each other, but also their irritations and frustrations.
After Sex engages in a psychological portrayal of a non-committal relationship, showcasing the ups and downs, and hesitations of those involved to divulge aspects of their personal life when they are so emotionally unavailable.
Creatives
Writer: Siofra Dromgoole
Director/Producer: Izzy Parriss
Intimacy Director – Stella Moss
Music and Sound Designer: Helen Noir
Lighting Designer: Simeon Miller
Set Consultant: Pip Terry
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