Against

by Christopher Shinn

seen at the Almeida Theatre on 9 September 2017

Ian Rickson directs Ben Whishaw in this new play which investigates the ills of modern society through the mission of Luke, an IT billionaire, to 'go where the violence is'. Early in his 'project' he meets the parents of a young mass-murderer, hoping to discover something about the violence and perhaps to help them come to terms with it. In later developments, we see more of the people reacting to his 'project', rather than their direct interactions with him - indeed Luke becomes, against his will, something of a celebrity figure as his journeys across America are followed by the media.

Anatomy of a Suicide

by Alice Birch

seen at the Royal Court Theatre on 29 June 2017

Katie Mitchell directs Hattie Morahan (Carol), Kate O'Flynn (Anna) and Adelle Leonce (Bonnie) with support from seven other actors in multiple roles in this intense study of three generations of women, two of whom commit suicide.

Carol's story starts in 1972 when she is met by her husband just after a failed suicide bid, while Anna's story begins in 1998 when, almost crippled by drug use, she is confronted by a young intern whose hospitality and kindness she has abused. Bonnie, in 2033, is binding up the wounds (self-inflicted?) of Jo, a fisherwoman who is obviously attracted to her.