Review – The Mercy Seat
Image: Photo: Katy Green Loughrey
Ben should have been working at The World Trade Centre when it was attacked; instead he was visiting his mistress Abby (who’s also his boss). His presumed death offers a perfect alibi to start a new life with her. The ensuing action takes place on September 12, 2001.
You can’t help but be impressed with the work Rebecca Martin and Patrick Magee have put into this play. Just learning the very wordy, conversational script is an achievement in itself; then there’s the energy required for what is basically an almost non-stop argument between two acutely dissatisfied lovers: both give genuinely convincing, edgy performances.
You can’t help but wonder what on earth brought these people together in the first place? And how long can they remain together before they destroy each other with rancour, recriminations and sheer bile?
Better no relationship at all than a destructive one. (MMu)
Until July 5, Old Fitzroy Theatre, 129 Dowling St, Woolloomooloo, $21-39, 1300 307 264, sitco.net.au
BY MICHAEL MUIR
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