The Caretaker

Watching absurdist theatre is like looking at a magic 3D image; if you look too hard for a structure or meaning, you won’t see much, but if you relax and allow yourself to passively absorb, then suddenly a shape will appear. Harold Pinter wrote The Caretaker in the late 1950s – towards the end of the absurdist movement, when England was still feeling battered after WWII and the social atmosphere was infused with distrust, resentment and a strong sense of self preservation.

With only three characters, one setting and no discernible plot, The Caretaker manages to not only capture the milieu of the time, but also remains relevant.

“The emotions and the concept of the play could be anytime, anywhere,” says director Courtney Powell. Prior to this production, Powell had never seen or read the play and she feels that’s a positive thing because it has allowed her a more authentic, uninfluenced approach. She admits that absurdist theatre can be challenging – for actors and audiences – and this play in particular is confronting because of the unmitigated racism and brutal depiction of homelessness.

“It can be very uncomfortable to watch…” explains Powell, “Everyone in the rehearsal room feels the discomfort.”

Yet it promises to be a powerful theatre experience thanks to the intuitive, empathetic performances by the cast.

Nicholas Papademetriou is Davies, a homeless man, compulsive liar, and victim of indifference. Alex Bryant-Smith plays the aggressive, disgruntled Mick, who has had to abandon his ambitions to care for his mentally ill brother, Aston. Aston, whose emotions and reactions have been subdued by shock therapy, is played with skilled nuance by Andrew Langcake.

The Caretaker is, as Powell puts it, “still fresh and relevant” and this production by Throwing Shade Theatre Co will prove it.

Nov 22-Dec 2. The Playhouse at The Actors Pulse, 103 Regent St, Redfern. $30-$35. Tickets & Info: www.throwingshade.com.au

By Rita Bratovich.