Mary Page Marlowe at The Old Vic

"Imagine trying to choose eleven scenes that would depict your life. This is the premise of Mary Page Marlowe, written by Pulitzer Prize winner Tracy Letts in 2016 and having its UK premiere at The Old Vic. Directed as the opening play of his farewell season by outgoing artistic director Matthew Warchus, it has a stellar cast. Two of the five Marys are played by Academy Award winner Susan Sarandon, making her UK theatre debut, and Academy nominee Andrea Riseborough."

"Rather than progressing in chronological order, the play moves backwards and forwards through Mary's life, each age acted by a different cast member. Hence, we see five Marys across eleven scenes, her age varying between 12 and 69. Letts makes the audience do some of the work in piecing things together, and the play's structure is somewhat like memory and self-concept being composed of fragments and contradictions rather than a linear narrative."

"In choosing an unassuming woman, an accountant in Ohio, Letts explores the question of identity, the importance of choices we make, and reflects on the ordinary and extraordinary moments that are peppered through unremarkable lives. Although the play is not based on Letts' mother, he was inspired to write Mary Page Marlowe after her death. This beautifully crafted play is like a multifaceted jewel. Eleven scenes, each a masterclass in acting."

Mary Page Marlowe presents eleven scenes that depict a woman's life at ages ranging from 12 to 69, with five actors portraying Mary at different stages. The narrative opens with Mary at 40 announcing a divorce and a move from Dayton, Ohio to Kentucky, and then moves non-chronologically through her earlier and later years. The structure resembles memory, assembling fragments and contradictions rather than a linear story. The production at The Old Vic features Susan Sarandon and Andrea Riseborough among the five Marys and balances sharp humour with emotional violence. Scenes avoid unnecessary dialogue and showcase consistently strong acting.

Read at www.london-unattached.com