THE GOAT (or Who is Sylvia) by Edward Albee
In Edward Albee’s most daring and provocative play since Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Martin, a world famous architect, leads an ostensibly ideal life. But a conversation with an old friend on his 50th birthday sets in motion events that will destroy his family and leave his life in tatters. The Goat is a hugely enjoyable parable that plumbs the deepest questions of social constraints on the individual expression of love.
Cast
Martin: Phil Burland
Stevie : Terrie Burland
Ross: Steve Reading
Billy: Ben Curtis
Directed by Helen Reading
Although a black comedy, this play contains adult themes and language. We suggest it is suitable for over 16’s.
Cast
Martin: Phil Burland
Stevie : Terrie Burland
Ross: Steve Reading
Billy: Ben Curtis
Directed by Helen Reading
Although a black comedy, this play contains adult themes and language. We suggest it is suitable for over 16’s.
Isle of Wight County Press review by Sue Lupton (1st April 2010)
Are there no limits to the talents of Helen Reading and her innovative RedTIE Theatre company?
Having walked off with an armful of awards at the last County Press theatre awards for her work on and off stage with RedTIE, Helen last week directed one of the most powerful pieces of drama ever staged on the Island.
The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, by Edward Albee, is an explosive black comedy about a long-married couple whose lives fall apart when the husband falls in love... with a goat called Sylvia.
Like a rollercoaster, the play grips you and shakes you to the core.
You stumble out of the theatre afterwards, your mind racing with broken taboos, existential questions and profound revelations about life, love and the universe.
The script is crammed with hard-hitting one-liners: "Nothing means anything." "Things happen." "I don't know if there are any rules..." "Kill her? I think I might as well."
The performances, by Terrie Burland (Stevie), Phil Burland (Martin), Steve Reading (as family friend, Ross) and Ben Curtis (the couple’s son, Billy) were exceptional — courageous, polished, breath-taking. As good as it gets.
This was certainly not entertainment for the faint-hearted. Plates were smashed by the dozen, profanities came thick and fast.
RedTIE theatre is known for tackling daunting plays about pithy issues — murder and forgiveness, domestic abuse, learning difficulties, to name a few.
But after The Goat, are there any taboos left to challenge?
Having walked off with an armful of awards at the last County Press theatre awards for her work on and off stage with RedTIE, Helen last week directed one of the most powerful pieces of drama ever staged on the Island.
The Goat, or Who Is Sylvia?, by Edward Albee, is an explosive black comedy about a long-married couple whose lives fall apart when the husband falls in love... with a goat called Sylvia.
Like a rollercoaster, the play grips you and shakes you to the core.
You stumble out of the theatre afterwards, your mind racing with broken taboos, existential questions and profound revelations about life, love and the universe.
The script is crammed with hard-hitting one-liners: "Nothing means anything." "Things happen." "I don't know if there are any rules..." "Kill her? I think I might as well."
The performances, by Terrie Burland (Stevie), Phil Burland (Martin), Steve Reading (as family friend, Ross) and Ben Curtis (the couple’s son, Billy) were exceptional — courageous, polished, breath-taking. As good as it gets.
This was certainly not entertainment for the faint-hearted. Plates were smashed by the dozen, profanities came thick and fast.
RedTIE theatre is known for tackling daunting plays about pithy issues — murder and forgiveness, domestic abuse, learning difficulties, to name a few.
But after The Goat, are there any taboos left to challenge?
Phil Burland and Steve Reading in the Goat.
(Photo:IW County Press)
