FREUD’S LAST SESSION
Image: Photo by Brian Geach
It’s September 1939 – England has just entered the war – and two men meet in London. The aged and ailing Sigmund Freud, legendary psychoanalyst and Jewish Atheist, has been exiled by the Nazis. As the shadow of death approaches he summons a young Oxford professor.
C.S. Lewis, once an Atheist but now converted to Christianity, is already a warm and articulate defender. Thus the stage is set for an exquisite confrontation on the key human questions of life, death, love, sex – and of course God.
Henri Szeps, who plays Freud, is well known to Sydney theatregoers. A persecuted European Jew himself, his affinity with Freud was immediate.
“Both Freud and Lewis were articulate, intellectual giants,” says Szeps. “It’s a brilliantly witty play.”
For those who are wearied by the changes and chances of fleeting theatre, Freud’s Last Session should fascinate.
“You can’t avoid being hit by the big questions,” says Szeps.
“You’ll leave with thoughts swimming around in your head and if you don’t you will certainly have a good laugh.”
One for the heart, mind and maybe even the soul. (GW)
Aug 14-Sep 8, Theatre Royal, 108 King St, Sydney, from $59-85, (02) 9224 8444, ticketmaster.com.au
