Like father, like son? Moorst (Liam) and Jason Hughes (Rick aka Violence). Photo credit: Helen Maybanks
Play: Violence and Son
Theatre: Royal Court, Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Playwright: Gary Owen
Director: Hamish Pirie
Review by Esha Chaman
Despite being unnecessarily drawn out at times, Gary Owen delivers an unflinching observation on how violence and aggressive machismo is tragically passed on from father to son.
Smart-arse and quick-witted northerner Liam (David Moorst) is a frustrated adolescent and Doctor Who fanatic, struggling to settle into his new paternal home. Following the unfortunate death of his mother, Liam had no choice but to live with his violent and alcoholic father Rick (Jason Hughes), whom he barely knows, in South Wales.
It is clear, after referring to him as a “pissed bastard”, that Liam’s relationship with his father is strained. After spending the day with fellow Doctor Who fan and friend Jen (Morfydd Clark) at a sci-fi conference, the pair return to Rick’s house where Liam confesses his endearing affection for Jen.
However, Rick and his girlfriend Suze (Siwan Morris) are also home and are quick to notice Liam’s fond eye for Jen. Rick is convinced he knows “what’s going on in the head of this girl” and encourages Liam to “seal the deal”, based on the lazy and sexist misjudgement that “she bloody wants it”.
Torrential rain, a lack of taxis and a dash of persuasion prolongs Jen’s visit to the house, which extends into an overnight stay. The quartet share a dinner of chips, and cans of lager are knocked back as the uneasy tension between Liam, Rick and Suze come into sharp focus.
Rick’s drunken state reveals a violent streak and some gruesome home truths. Although Liam’s nerdy and emotional sensitivity sets him apart from his abusive father, Rick’s assertive bravado has a disastrous influence on Liam’s behaviour towards Jen.
Gary Owen has penned an intimate and thematically knotty script that deals with the horrors of domestic and sexual violence, and male bravado, with great sensitivity. The fact the events occur within the cosy confines of a living room make the horrors which unfold even more profound and unsettling.
David Moorst is superb as Liam, all sardonic wit, endearing nervousness and emotional fragility. Morfydd Clark’s portrayal of Jen’s transition from a confident young woman to a tragically victimised girl is commendable while Siwan Morris brings Suze to life with a coarse brashness. But Jason Hughes commands attention as Rick, delivering violent outbursts chillingly well, maintaining a threatening presence like an untameable beast.
Hamish Pirie’s direction illustrates Liam’s escapism into the world of Doctor Who extremely well as each change of scene is marked by an impressive display of cosmic lighting effects and technical marvels. However after the harsh realities of the drama hit home, these dramatic touches feel a tad out of place.
This is a thought-provoking effort from Owen, supplemented with strong performances. What lets it down somewhat is the length of the play as it could be even more impactful if it was shorter. A must see.
Violence and Son is at the Royal Court Theatre until 11 July 2015.