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A Play on Two Chairs

Theatre Feature

02 February 2012 (Theatre Interview)

Words: Caomhan Keane

A man, a woman, two chairs and a battle of the sexes. A fast, humorous journey through the complicated world of lust, love & passion. Taking a look at the everyday interactions of modern day relationships; its physical theatre with flirting, fighting, falling in and out of love and lots of fun. A Play on Two Chairs is written by Michael West, known for his work with The Corn Exchange including Freefall and Dublin by Lamplight. He spares a moment here to tell Caomhan Keane about the show's genesis.

Can you tell me about A Play on Two Chairs?

A Play on Two Chairs is my first play. Dominic West and Amanda Hogan first performed it in Players Theatre last century. Annie Ryan and I performed it ourselves in the first New York Fringe in a small oven on the lower East Side, and in the Dublin Fringe alternating with the original cast. It's popped up a few times since then.

What can people see when they turn up on the night?

In terms of form it is a conversation between a man and a woman - a conversation, among other things, about how we talk to each other. What we say about ourselves. How we don't say what we mean. The first joke, of course, is that they don't say anything at all to start with. And then it all takes off. The actors interrupt each other, switch roles, and change the rules of engagement. Hopefully the whole thing is funny and light. And there's a bit of chair throwing for good measure.

Where did the idea come from?

It came about when I threw out everything I couldn't write or understand - plot, set, lights, character - and wrote up what was left. It was the best accidental education in theatre I could have had.

How does this differ from your previous work?

I remember it as a delightful experience - until I had to perform it. I couldn't believe how tired you got trying to keep up with the action. And I wasn't even wearing high heels.

 

 


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