House of Games
Talking to director Louise Fischer about her upcoming production, House of Games, is like navigating a minefield of potential spoilers. “I don’t want to give anything away,” becomes a mantra. All the more enticing for a play that already sounds delectably intriguing.
Written and directed by David Mamet in 1987 as a film, the script was adapted for stage by Richard Bean in 2010, premiering in London to mixed reviews. The film version is dark and sombre with dry, functional dialogue. Bean’s adaptation is, as Fischer puts it “…Bean-ified…so there’s a wonderful wry humour to it”.
Fischer is a self-confessed Bean groupie, having already directed four of his plays. She believes he has improved some of the plot points and made the characters more likeable. It has been slightly updated (mobile phones are used) but it mostly stays faithful to psyche of the film.
“The movie created a skeleton plot line which is fascinating. It’s a good enough plot line to be able to be adapted and taken on a different journey.”
The plot centres around a female psychiatrist who intervenes when one of her patients is threatened over a debt owed to a shady con artist. After meeting with the con man, with whom she becomes sexually involved, she is drawn into the seedy Chicago underworld of gambling.
For the sake of authenticity, Fischer engaged a magician to coach the actors on card handling and the finer points of poker. The cast also went to pubs and played some actual games.
“The things you do in the name of art…drink beer and play poker!” Fischer facetiously added.
With clever set changes, “kick-ass” music, engaging characters and numerous twists, Fischer hopes her audiences will leave feeling thoroughly entertained but also cogently aware that “yes, it could happen to you.” (RB)
Until Sep 10, varied performance times. New Theatre, 542 King Street, Newtown. $17-$32. Tickets & info: newtheatre.org.au
BY RITA BRATOVICH
