Review – Clybourne Park

The Ensemble Theatre directed by Tanya Goldberg brings to life Bruce Norris’s Pulitzer Prize-winning Clybourne Park.

Not for the easily offended, the production’s bold humour provides no comfort to a polite society audience. Norris’s dangerous and delicious writing brings to boil the bigotry that is often simmering just below the surface. The split between the 1959 and modern settings provide a pertinent commentary on gentrification and the way in which history lingers in the dry wall.

Whilst the tension of the first act allows little breathing room, the second gives voice to every instance of buried political incorrectness, where every group is a target.

Nathan Lovejoy proved to be the standout performance, tackling the two most unlikeable roles in the play. His comic timing in portraying the nervous yet self-righteous 50s community leader is truly brilliant.

Clybourne Park leaves audiences both cringing behind their hands and in fits of laughter. (CK)

Until Apr 19, Ensemble Theatre, 78 McDougall St, Kirribilli, $30-65; Apr 23 & 24, The Concourse, 409 Victoria Ave, Chatswood, $30-65, ensemble.com.au

BY CATHERINE KNIGHT