Death of Long Pig
From: Tuesday, 7th July 2009
To: Saturday, 1 August 2009
Our Review: 
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Synopsis
Deep in the Polynesian islands of the Pacific Ocean, hungry spirits circle the homes of writer Robert Louis Stevenson and artist Paul Gauguin. The path to Stevenson’s grave, his ‘Road to Paradise’, is complete; he can pass on anytime he likes. But, having spent thirty years in rigorous combat with the grim reaper, is he finally ready to concede defeat? His islander maid, Java is terrified his spirit will get waylaid on its journey back to Edinburgh and stay to devour her soul. Gauguin too, is ready - he has bought rum, arsenic and morphine for his suicide cocktail and is certain he’s not long for this world. It seemed easy enough to avoid being arrested by the gendarme, but he’ll be damned if they give him a Catholic burial in consecrated ground. Set in the strange and supernatural surroundings of Samoa and Tahiti, Death of Long Pig explores the duality of experience from the perspectives of two great artists as they usher death into their island homes. As the final hour approaches, they face the eternal question: is it how we prepare for death that really governs the way we live?
Our Review:
Theo Bosanquet - 10 July 2009
'Is it how we prepare for death that really governs the way we live?' poses the dramatic question at the heart of Nigel Planer's richly researched but poorly structured new play.
Two cultural giants of the late 19th century - writer Robert Louis Stevenson and artist Paul Gauguin - both face death on the Polynesian islands of, respectively, Samoa and Tahiti. Stevenson is preparing the perfect ritualistic send-off, but finds his final days punctuated by arguments with his neurotic older wife Fanny and stilted attempts to woo his serving girl Java (Nicole Dayes). Gauguin, the focus of the Act Two, is less colonial and more bohemian than Stevenson, mixing potent cocktails and nibbling arsenic as he flirts with suicide, but eventually resigns himself to the “disgrace” of being a man unable to commit it.
Sean Murray does a fine job of portraying both men - capturing the empathetic and politically astute aspect of Stevenson and the shambolic chutzpah of Gaugui...
Creative
Nigel Planer (Author)
JQ Productions (in association with Neil McPherson for the Finborough Theatre) (Producer)
Alexander Summers (Director)
Alex Marker (Design)
James Smith (Lighting)
Penn O'Gara (Costume)
Matt Downing (Sound)
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