Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? by Edward Albee
"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is a play by Edward Albee; immortalised on screen by the 1966 film starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor. However, these roles have been played on stage by countless actors since the release of the film. It was, in fact, a play long before it became a movie.
Winterfall Theatre Company is one of Melbourne's most established and respected independent theatre companies, having received critical acclaim from almost every major theatre reviewer. So far, "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" has also received excellent reviews.
"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" centres around the marriage of George and Martha - a middle aged couple, who invite a much younger couple, Nick and Honey, to their home early one morning. With Nick and Honey as a kind of "audience", George and Martha play out all the secrets and lies of their highly dysfunctional marriage. Although on the surface, this play could look like one of a marriage full of hatred, paradoxically, it is actually one of love. Edward Albee (the playwright) has stated that the error many companies make is approaching this as a play about hate, whereas it is actually one of love. Paradoxically, this is true. Although each character suffers "barbs" at the hands of another, each comes away with a greater sense of what is truthful in their lives.
"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" is often thought of as a dark, serious play and while it does explore serious themes, it is also a black comedy. There are many many moments of hilarity in this play. Edward Albee's sardonic wit is ever present though out the play, whose characters are at times unlikeable, but also immensely loveable and ultimately, vulnerable. This is also a play about alcoholism: Each character appears to be trapped in some degree of dependent upon alcohol, which fuels their behaviour throughout the play itself.
"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" has one week left to play, and limited tickets are offered.
Feedback/Comments
very good
Powerful and intense...challenging material delivered in a riveting way. Thoroughly enjoyed it.
It doesn't get any closer and more intimate than this, hence it would have appeared to some as over-acting and yes, would have suited a larger venue. Overall great experience and I agree with others re cigarette smoke, lack of ventilation and seating. The psychology and interpersonal dynamics of this classic play had me totally absorbed and thinking at length and deeply, long after the play had ended. Isn't this what the wonderful world of art is supposed to do after all?
Stunning, and so close to the action at this Blackbox theatre. I did however find it a bit long. The 2 intervals definitely needed. Thank you "on the house".
AMAZING PERFORMANCE!!!
Fantastic, loved the acting, especially the main female.The cosy theatre added to the atmosphere. The tobacco-free cigarettes and frequent swearing against Jesus Christ may have been over-done. All 4 characters kept us fully entertained and wondering what would happen next. We loved the show.
Great theatre company
very good theatre quite small. but good afternoon. actors were very good. amazed by how they remeber all there words.
Excellent thoroughly enjoyed it. Fantastic acting
I thoroughly enjoyed this show, the actors were talented, especially the female lead, she was terrific. I enjoyed the whole 3 hours.
loved it great. Should have been pre warned about smoking in the show before arriving at event.
I reiterate all that has previously been written and whilst I enjoyed it,I will repeat that it was way too long!Great acting,albeit a little over-acted,and intimate as a setting.It was difficult to sit through the last half hour.
Great acting! The play itself is a bit depressing, but quite funny at times. A bit heavy to watch on a rainy winter day.
Excellent. Talented actors / actresses, love yr work. Tks heaps!
Very talented!
Great performance. The small theatre made it intimate and sometimes uncomfortable ( not a bad thing). Some times I feared Martha and other times feared for her. Watching it knowing it was written that George and matha loved each other kept me thinking more positively of the behaviour.
This was the first time I had seen the play. Brilliant acting - wonderful performance from all four actors. Unlike other people, I thought the small size of the threatre enhanced the atmosphere for the performance.
Great casting and excellent performances from the cast. Needs a larger theatre to accomodate the audience say the Malthouse or similar size.
Thankyou for the opportunity to see this aggressive play again after many years. As so well put by dizi and Mynightout above, the acting was superb but the venue and cigarettes were challenging. Mulled wine helped my aching back, as well as moving to a different seat!
...brilliant acting....script and acting is brilliant...heavy to watch...
quite amazing how much dialogue these actors had to remember. Particularly Martha and George!! My only criticism of the production (apart from the "tobacco free" cigarettes which were definitely worse than the real thing would have been!) was that I think this "particular" play with all its screaming would have been MUCH more suited to a larger venue then the very small space it was performed in. Otherwise kudos to all four actors and in particular the leading two. I was totally absorbed and actually at times felt abit like a voyeurist listening to these essentially crazy people primarily argue, abuse and embarrass one another! Each act left you wondering what on earth could happen next! Definitely a very "different" but good night out.
This was a very dramatic evening with a dysfunctional couple and their two guests. In this intimate theatre everything was exaggerated, the strong language, emotions and violent outbursts. Unfortunately the many tobacco-free cigarettes that were smoked during the play left me feeling semi-asphyxiated in the poorly ventilated room. I admired the acting and all the lengthy scripts that the actors rattled off time and again but it was the cigarette smoke that put a dampener on the night's entertainment. I hope George, Martha, Blondie and Honey will be able to resolve all their issues and have a good night's sleep on Sunday. :)
Superb play, brilliant acting.