‘Is this so bad if they see their mother succeed?’ – Charlotte
In the wake of movements related to feminism, LGBTQIA+, disabled bodies, protected groups, hegemonies and systematic inherited structures, Charlotte and Theodore written by Ryan Craig, directed by Terry Johnson, performed by Kris Marshall (Theodore) and Eve Ponsonby (Charlotte) addresses the intricating and the strenuous gaps, that exist between people of different identities and age when talking about inclusivity, gender, pronouns, dilemmas of cancel culture, and dominant groups, etc.
The 90 minutes long play proposes solutions, perhaps? Not in the same way Billy Wilder did in Some like it Hot but rather by following the evolution of conversation between two lovers and two professors, at different points in their lives. Charlotte who began her career as a research assistant for Theodore ends up being the head of philosophy department where he teaches philosophy. Later on in the piece Charlotte confronts her husband when she received a request to be part of the advisory board of the UN Congress in Chicago, a job that will allow her ‘to directly influence public policies’ but will distant her physically from her children.
The play examines the place of white heteronormative men who also are also partners, and fathers in modern discourses of feminism. The play also questions the ways in which we can converse with heteronormativity to allow the change of perspective (or not).
Charlotte, amazingly performed by Eve Ponsonby, was throughout the piece supporting the widespread influence ideas and speech could have, especially when crafted in universities; supposedly laboratories of ideas making and critical thinking. She therefore criticises censorship, the fear of confronting ideas and deserting one’s principals for positions. On the other hand, Theodore outstandingly performed by Kris Marshall questions the newly elaborated laws that tend to be politically so correct to a point where some identities are brought down so that others are lifted up. He questions modern structures that are annihilating the old ones built by old men and sees himself as a victim of marginalization. He talks about ‘us’ and ‘them’.
The technical and creative team succeeded in producing a play that welcomed an audience raging from young adults to elderly persons in one room. Looking at the reactions of the people, noticing the times they laughed to some jokes said by the characters was such an interesting experience alongside the piece that allowed me to think about all the notions and dialogues above mentioned.
Playing until 25th March, https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/charlotte-and-theodore/richmond-theatre/
Reviewer: Marita Matar
Reviewed: 21st March 2023
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★