THEATRE: THE PILLOWMAN

PREVIEW BY AMELIA GROOM

Arrogant but largely unpublished fiction writer Katurian finds himself in an interrogation cell. He thinks it might have something to do with what he’s written. His mentally impaired brother is called in for questioning and a pair of sardonic cops resort to absurd methods of interrogation, as a twisted tale of suspense and horror unfolds.

Investigating the deadly responsibilities of artists, our timeless and universal urge to tell tales, the dangerous potential of truth and narrative, the raw human desire for fantasy, literature’s ability to outlast tyranny, and the all-knowing power of the storyteller, Martin McDonagh’s pitch-black comedy The Pillowman opens at Belvoir St Theatre this week.

Unsentimental, thought provoking, gruesomely funny and perversely entertaining, this play received the 2004 Olivier Award and an Evening Standard Award nomination for Best New Play, and arrives hot on the heels of recent acclaimed productions in London and New York.

Martin McDonagh’s other plays include The Beauty Queen of Leenane, The Cripple of Inishmaan and Tony nominees The Lonesome West and The Lieutenant of Inishmore. His short film Six Shooter won a 2006 Academy Award. Director Craig Ilott created a sensation in recent years with his production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch, and makes his Company B debut with The Pillowman.

The Pillowman
5 June ‘ 13 July
Belvoir St Upstairs Theatre
25 Belvoir St, Surry Hills
$33-$54 (Student Rush $25 tickets on Tues and Sat matinees)
Bookings: 9699 3444 or www.belvoir.com.au