13

Conflicting ideaologies clash in Mike Bartletts 13.A National Theater presentation of the play in 2 functions by Mike Bartlett. Directed by Thea Sharrock.Ruth - Geraldine James John - Trystan Gravelle Stephen - Danny Webb Mark - Adam James Rachel - Kirsty Bushell Amir - Davood Ghadami Edith - Helen Ryan Sarah - Genevieve Reilly Dennis - Nick Sidi Ruby - Sophistication Cooper Milton/ Jadie - Rose HobsonConflicting generational ideologies, the corruption of energy, political disaffection versus. the requirement for belief, war versus. pacifism, the points of interest and challenges of free-market capitalism ... Everything and much more is audaciously presented, compared and chewed in "13." The intellectual plate-spinning of playwright Mike Bartlett (U.K. hit "Cock," bowing Off Broadway early in the year) could be as pleasing, however, if ambition did not so clearly outstrip dramatic achievement. Twelve quickly introduced, apparently disconnected figures -- from tired charitable organisation worker Rachel (nicely finish-of-tether Kirsty Bushell) to Ruth, the Conservative Pm (Geraldine James), to lawyer Mark (Adam James) -- all seem to be discussing the same bad dream. Their fascinatingly surreal linkages with each other advise a pending crisis within this near-present-day dystopia, rising to some peak as all twelve, voluntarily or otherwise, come under the sway of political prophet John (Trystan Gravelle). He seems as though from nowhere and evolves a Christ-like presence of unencumbered goodness. His huge following made through the Internet intends the federal government, particularly because it stands poised to invade Iran over its nuclear weapons policy. Exercising the hyperlinks between your disparate figures gives momentum up to the more effective first half. So how exactly does the God-fearing wife from the U.S. politico squeeze into the image? What is the link between the atheist academic and also the Pm? Yet when the connections are created, they neglect to deepen. Puzzlingly, as though not fully in control of his structure, Bartlett also changes stylistic tack, shedding the greater surreal tone within the less strong other half and climbing down rather to some standard-problem debate having a mind-to-mind of conflicting ideologies across a table between your prophet and also the Pm. Worse, anybody even vaguely conversant with conspiracy thrillers can smell the inevitable routing from the idealist miles-off. Even though intelligence from the writing isn't uncertain, the theatrical texture wears thin since the diffuse ideas remain underdeveloped. Bartlett is not assisted by Thea Sharrock's fitful production. Her awkward, effortful crowd moments are unconvincing and although she gives clearness towards the mix-cut tales, there is a draining insufficient cumulative energy. Moment by moment, the stars illuminate their individual situations. Adam James brings piercing emotional precision towards the lawyer who cracks up underneath the realization that his all-consuming rage is actually fond of themself. And Geraldine James survives the caricature of her high-heels and upswept-hair costuming to breathe existence into implausibly isolated Ruth. Taking its signal from Tom Scutt's mainly black set strangely lit by Mark Henderson, Sharrock's bleak staging is within thrall to some giant, gradually spinning black cube in the center from the stage that indicates a metaphor whose meaning remains vague. More awkwardly still, its constantly turning surface serves to underlines Bartlett's uncharacteristic insufficient decision about his play's feeling of direction. His questions regarding the character of excellent and evil nowadays are bold but a level bigger real question is introduced to light through the drably staged coda where the conclusions towards the tales from the twelve are trotted by the stars inside a straight line. Why did not the National's literary management persuade Bartlett to consider a play of these potential through a minumum of one more major draft?Sets and costumes, Tom Scutt lighting, Mark Henderson seem, Ian Dickinson music, Adrian Johnston production stage manager, Laura Flowers. Opened up, examined March. 25, 2011. Running time: 2 Hrs, 50 MIN.With: Matthew Barker, Nick Blakeley, Katie Brayben, Natasha Broomfield, Martin Chamberlain, Sioned Johnson, Barbara Kirby, Esther McAuley, Lara Rossi, Zara Tempest-Walters, John Webber, Shane Zaza. Contact David Benedict at benedictdavid@mac.com