THEATRE REVIEWS

If you're looking for a play that is predictable or easy viewing, then The Pillowman is not the one for you. Opening on an anonymous interrogation room, it initially appears that the plot will centre on political subversion, wrongful arrest and abuse of a prisoner, Katurian. The two policemen carrying out the interrogation support this suggestion; one of them is charming, the other is vicious but both of them are totally ruthless in their questioning. However, amid the acts of torture and general police brutality, a number of stories begin to unfold.

Katurian is the protagonist and the writer of these stories, stories which the policemen claim mirror the brutal murder of children in the town. However, the viewer is unsure at first whether the killings did take place or whether they are a fabrication on the part of the police in order to frame Katurian. Alongside the interrogation, Katurian's brother Michal is also being held and his screams can be heard from offstage. Michal is mentally handicapped and the actor beautifully portrays this through every awkward movement and gesture. In fact, the acting is superb throughout and each of the actors gives a captivating performance. Clever staging allows sub plots and stories to be interspersed with the main plot — these stories are stories of death, torture and abuse, which are visually striking in glorious colours, but quite shocking in their gruesomeness.

The success of the play is that it keeps you engrossed, never sure what might happen next or how the story will unfold. It is impossible to recount much of the plot here without ruining the enjoyment for other viewers, but it is safe to say that Martin McDonagh's play is stimulating and demanding viewing, which raises more questions than it answers. As a warning though, viewers should be aware that violence and abuse abound. The Pillowman is a white-knuckle ride, a modern day Brothers Grimm, which is definitely not for the fainthearted. © KA

“The Pillowman” is in Bath on the 8th until the 12th of February, 2005 and continues their UK tour.