On The Third Day

Ambassadors, London
****

· Written by Kate Betts
· Directed by Robert Delamere


By Julian Sudre


THE FIRST shot across the bow of post-modern psychodrama theatre by Kate Betts has delivered a punchy, if not indelible mark that not so many critics would have expected.
The exposing writer that won the winning entry in Channel Fours’ The Play’s The Thing series weaves with a very wry sense of humour, the story of Claire, 30 year-old astronomer that has been pockmarked by the loss of her parents, the discordant relationship with her brother that is the incestuous demands of his, will remain to stir her deepest traumatic childhood memories.

Flashes of past and present and constant correlation between Claire’s mindset and how her childhood affected the state of affairs – her 27 year-old brother never had a girlfriend -- and the belief she has seen Jesus reveals and underlying confusion in a tragic, none the less, slightly raw and brusque upbringing. The theatrical result raises the bar in terms of originality.

Claire picked up a man – Mike, who turns out to be Jesus – and in a very apt, if not dextrous manner, the playwright manages to bring a sense of comedy and petulance into his character. The delivery strikes a pleasant note. Betts knows how to balance the banal element with subtle effect and proves to keep the audience wide-awake.

The dramatist whisks us from London to Wales where Mike is taken potholing in the Brecon Beacons and at the Planetarium in Greenwich where Claire works as a presenter. Her debut stage displays a wayward humour that distinguishes her from others. Perhaps at times, Bretts paints a religious picture that could be disproportionate to the actual reality. Still, I believe she skilfully interpreted the meaning of faith, while being light-hearted and satirical.

Kates Bretts’ debut bodes well for the future; her talent should be highlighted strictly on the fact that her work is experimental and unique.
Her style is interlaced with some emotional dynamites and she should ignite our inspiration with it.