Cleansed

Synopsis

Brutal and shocking but poetic and tender, Cleansed is a powerful theatrical experience which maps the beauty and the bleakness of the human heart.

Our Review:

9 November 2005

This compelling Oxford Stage Company production of Sarah Kane's disturbing psycho-drama is the first since its premiere at the Royal Court in 1998. Freed from the hyped-up controversy and over-reaction which Kane and other 'in-yer-face' playwrights like Ravenhill and Neilson originally provoked in the 1990s, we can now appreciate the play for what it is: a powerful examination of both the limitations and transcendence of love in the face of extreme cruelty.

In an unspecified institution – prison, reformatory, mental hospital or science laboratory? – the sadistic Tinker (Paul Brennen) uses drugs and violence to conduct horrific experiments on the inmates to test the strength of their love for each other. After he has killed Graham (Garry Collins) with an injection of heroin into the eye, Graham's sister Grace (Polly Frame) literally takes his place, ultimately having a penis transplant. Carl (Toby Dantzic), who has promised never to betray his lover Rod (Sean Gallagher...

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Latest User Review

84.9.18.25) - 23 November 2005:

Strong meat indeed - and there are some very impressive performances here. I was most impressed, in particular, by Craig Gazey, who plays the sweet and simple Robin. Solid performances from the rest of the cast, though, in a play that leaves you rather drained. ...

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