The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other

London can be a very cold and lonely place. Despite being surrounded by people, it can be unforgiving and empty. Let's face it: as much as we love this city, it's not always fun. It can be unpleasant.

This is echoed in a new play at The National Theatre on Southbank. 'The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other' by Peter Handke appears to focus on everything we hate about this city. And everything that scares us about living in London.

The play throws people together. There's 27 actors playing 450 characters. Everyone from a cowboy to a half-dressed bride. But there are no words. No dialogue at all. Which is scary. It reminds us of sitting on the tube and not saying a word to anyone.

The play shows that people are 'fleetingly connected by proximity alone'. Which is true. All of those people rushing down Oxford Street seem to have a common goal. Just not one that they're willing to acknowledge to one another.

Glitterditch isn't sure if the play deliberately sits alongside London's worst aspects. But we're sure the similarities aren't lost on the National Theatre or the director, James MacDonald.

The premise of this play has surprised us. It sounds so simple, yet manages to have something to say. Which is why at the moment you can't go and see it until 31st March. It finishes on 12th April so you've only got a few shows left to book. Do. And then spend the journey home saying hello to everyone on the tube.

The Hour We Knew Nothing of Each Other is at The Lyttelton Theatre at the National until 12th April. Do book quickly.

Flickr image from VictoriaPeckham's photostream.

Written by Sian on 3 Mar 2008 10:25 AM. Permalink