Duet for One

Synopsis

With strong echoes of the life and experiences of celebrated cellist Jacqueline du Pre running through it, the play tells of Stephanie, an eminent violinist, who has been confined to a wheelchair by multiple sclerosis. On her husband's advice she consults a psychiatrist to help her come to terms with a life deprived of its main purpose. Under the quiet probing questions, layer after layer of protective pretence is stripped from her, revealing dangerous depths of resentment and despair.

Our Review:

Anne Morley-Priestman - 20 September 2012

An alternative title for Tom Kempinski’s play Duet for One might well be Duel for Two as far as Robert Harford’s new touring production goes, for the violinist and psychotherapist whose professional relationship is under dissection clash continuously. She has been a much-lauded, world-class performer but is now debilitated by the onset of multiple sclerosis. He knows from bitter experience that some psychological conditions are beyond human aid.

It’s been subtly altered and updated from the original version which I remember from London in 1980; I recall in particular a bleaker, more abrupt ending. Michael Holt’s set is a spacious one, of which Stephanie Abrahams’ wheel-chair can take full advantage. The formality of the room with its carefully chosen, accurately positioned furniture reflects Dr Feldmann’s own attitude to his patients.

Words are the matter of the drama, words and the meanings behind them. K...

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Latest User Review

kate steer - 28 October 2012:

was totally spellbound as, although only 2 actors on stage, they kept you gripped,wonderful acting. ...

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