The audience thought they were in for a sleazy evening when they arrived at the theatre with ultra violet lighting causing some of the public areas to be murky and dark, but it was not to be. It was some management initiative to improve the theatre which appeared to fail miserably judging from audience comments.

Broken Glass was a different matter. The play could be called the Jewish play. Set in Brooklyn in late November,1938 the play deals with how one Jew tries to come to terms with how the world perceives him. Arthur Miller shows how this individual tries to put his roots in the background in order to earn a living and respect from those around him. However, this has dire consequences for everyone.

Phillip Gellburg, admirably played by Kevin McMonagle, is asked to visit Dr Harry Hyman (Michael Elwyn) his wife’s doctor. The wife, Margaret Gellberg, played by Susan Penhaligan, has a psychological illness induced by newspaper photographs of how Jews are being treated by the Nazi’s in Germany. This gives the triangle of intrigue. Interaction between the main character and his boss Stanton Case (Jack Power) show how he is being used and achieving nothing by his attitude to his predicament.

Everything ends in disillusionment without solving anything. br> Good stage direction by Ian Brown allows the actors to give some fine performances and satisfy an appreciative audience. The play is well worth a visit. © BA

“Broken Glass” is in Leeds from the 4th of May, 2001 until the 9th of June.