Sam Crane steps into the shoes of the main character, making you feel conflicting emotions in a way only Daniel Goldman- the award-winning director behind this masterpiece- knows how; he breaks the laws of story-telling implemented by himself at the beginning of the play leading to fascinating twists and turns. These unexpected turn of events makes you laugh and worry while your mind is submerged in the story of Sergio Blanco as he becomes dangerously obsessed with the mystery of his hotel room’s bloodstained carpet.
Sergio Blanco investigates the story behind the events that occurred in the suite only to find himself drawn deeper and deeper into the world of desire, infatuation, and murder in the city of Ljubljana. Will he make it out alive?
No part of this story would unfold so fluidly without the featureless hall of mirrors and its reflective floor. A spectacular idea that only the talented Natalie Johnson could have brought to life. During the play, Sam Crane paces and jogs about the delimited space, while his multiple reflections stand-in for other characters that are judging, stalking, and circling him.
The monologue is told with an unequivocal charm that Crane uses in his favor while shifting tones throughout the storyline. Goldman handles the narrative with a light, assured touch, making you chuckle at unexpected, dark times. The description of physical trauma in bone-sawing and tendon-severing is not for the weak, so beware as it is a disturbing exploration of the darkness within us all.
If you haven’t seen it and wish to, you’re in luck. Performances will continue until March 3rd at The Pleasance Theater.
https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/rage-narcissus/performances
