What's on in London: Cock
Mike Bartlett's classic play returns to the stage.
Mike Bartlett's classic play, Cock, is returning to the London stage.
Staged by Talk Is Free Theatre - a Canadian theatre company - this is a stripped back and reimagined production of the play that was written in 2009.
At the core of the show is John, a man who has been in a steady relationship with his boyfriend for seven years. But when he unexpectedly falls in love with a woman, he is forced to confront questions he has long avoided about whether choosing the “easier” option is the same as choosing the right one.
Staged at COLAB in an immersive, arena-like configuration, audiences sit in close proximity to the performers. With a capacity of just 34 seats per performance, this is theatre at its most intimate.
Directed by Dylan Trowbridge, the cast features Aidan deSalaiz, Michael Torontow, Tess Benger, and Kevin Bundy.
"Despite what its title may suggest, Cock is a play about the human heart..." explains Dylan Trowbridge - director of the production. "It is about love’s capacity to make us feel euphoric joy, brutal pain, desperate fear and overwhelming confusion. The play is a battle, and the participants are fully exposed."
"Bartlett strips the script of visual and theatrical elements. He does this to bring the hearts and souls and hopes and fears of the characters into full focus. Inspired by this, we have removed the story from a traditional theatre space. Our venue is designed to maximise exposure and immerse our audience in a space of conflict- a battlefield with combatants and spectators in dangerously close proximity."
"Ultimately though, our exploration of Cock has been governed by this principle: We only have one beautiful, precious, fucked-up life to live. We must pursue joy, wonder and love with vigour and courage. Even if it hurts."
Cock will run at COLAB from 22nd April – 2nd May
Gareth Johnson