It really did seem to be on the paths of becoming my favourite book. In the four characters I could find different voices of myself, as a poc who was privileged enough to get a good education but never quite escape the qualms of racism. The lack of the author's voice, the perspectives of artists from all spheres of society: it's incredible. It's her writing prowess that makes the book work. Hanya Yanagihara is a wonderful, genius writer. It was 5 am in the morning and I was simply disappointed, but here is a more constructive outlook: Some of the play’s flaws come from issues with the book, not least its length, which makes it worthy of at least two plays, if not a trilogy, and its baroque excess at times lacks realism.I would like to make a new post, because the previous post blew up a little and I simply wasn't in my best mindset when I wrote it. The content warning leaflets handed to audience members upon arrival are entirely warranted.

Elliot Cowan, who depicts his trio of tormentors is another standout, with a softly chilling manner giving way to stomach-turning cruelty.īut the litany of what basically amounts to mediaeval tortures – paedophilia, graphic rape, visceral self-harm and violence, literal pools of blood – almost numb you to Jude’s pain. Past and present are interwoven, with figures from Jude’s childhood talking to his adult self, as his traumatic memories literally stalk him across the stage. Screens on either side of the set show rolling footage of city streets and buzz with static, while a live string quartet provides the soundtrack, heightening the tension. The staging is clever and immersive, with some audience members seated directly behind the action, and the cast cooking, eating, smoking and cleaning on stage before the show begins and throughout the production. One scene in which he sits quietly, alone and still, brought me close to tears he deserves every award he’s sure to be nominated for. He barely leaves the stage as his character is put through seemingly endless suffering. His performance as Jude – from abandoned boy to broken man – is breathtaking.

Author of a little life