At Home At the Zoo by Edward Albee
At Home At the Zoo consists of two one-act plays - The Zoo Story (1958) and Homelife (2007) written by Albee only 6 years ago as a prequel to the original. The play explores themes of isolation, loneliness, mis-communication and social disparity. The action unfolds in front of the audience in real time.
“Homelife”, the first act, is set in the New York apartment of Peter and Ann, circa 1970s. After years of marriage, the middle-aged couple with two daughters, two cats, two parakeets, two TVs and two microwaves, appear to be happily married, in their comfortable lives with no surprises. However, how well do they really know each other? Their conversation reveals that their uneventful life is based on compromise and hidden emotions and desires. We leave the couple with Peter deciding to adjourn to his favourite bench in Central Park in order to read his book.
The second act, “The Zoo Story” opens with Peter's “me time” interrupted by Jerry, who is the embodiment of chaos, disorder and madness. Jerry represents an individual living a social compromise in a commercial world. Jerry begins to lure Peter into the world of his dramatic life, which unwillingly draws Peter away from his book. How long can Peter maintain his polite patience?
The play demonstrates the essential aloneness of all humanity.
An essential and heartening experience... Edward Albee is a voice unparalleled in American Theatre” - The NewYork Times
This Is Victorian Premiere
This play was difficult to rate as it was in 2 acts - the first act I would give 3 stars, but the second act was more deserving of 4 stars. The first act I think was let down by the actress playing the role of the wife. The young man in the second act (Josh somebody) was very talented, however, and really made the play. Well worth the drive to Healesville!