Eden

Synopsis

What would you idea of heaven be? For Breda, she'd just love her husband to come home and tell her how much he loves her. For Billy, he has just one thought on his mind - lust, and it doesn't involve his wife! Sex, lies and fantasies are the topic of conversation in Eden, a play where everything in the garden is definitely not rosy....This is their weekend and this is their story.

Our Review:

31 October 2002

The notice pinned up outside the Arts Theatre warns: "Eden contains language that some patrons may find offensive." It might as well read: "Eden contains language that some patrons may find incomprehensible". This Irish two-hander - a series of linked monologues in which a couple recount the events of a pivotal evening in their decade-long marriage of disappointment - is so full of Derry colloquialisms delivered in such thick accents that it initially makes the head spin.

In fact, when Don Wycherley, playing husband Billy, first opens his mouth to speak, there are gasps of astonishment and, after a few minutes more, the lady sitting next to me whispers "Can you understand a thing he's saying?" Gradually - thankfully! - it all starts to sound like real words.

And the words, care of first-time playwright Eugene O'Brien, are strong indeed. What is this knack so many Irish playwrights have of making such simple language sound so c...

Read more of the review

Latest User Review

USER: Whatsonstage.com - 1 November 2002:

What can one say? The production of EDEN at the intimate confines of the Arts Theatre offers superb material in the hands of extremely fine actors who command EVERY second of the viewer's attention. This is a play I will definitely see again....

Read more and add your own review

Related Whatsonstage.com Articles

20 Questions With...Don Wycherley More»