Cock is a bold, eyebrow-raising and expectation-generating title but rest assured, Silo Theatre's latest play is not what you'd expect. Director Shane Bosher's version of the Olivier award-winner by British playwright Mike Bartlett is a simple, understated and tense comedy.
After seven years, John, the hapless and sad-faced protagonist, decides he is tired of his boyfriend constantly judging him. So he dumps him then, in the throes of the post-break-up post-mortem, meets and sleeps with a woman for the first time.
The experience goes well but then John decides he wants to get back with his ex and drama ensues.
His conflict about who he is loves - and therefore who he is - lies at the heart of the play. Yet, despite a committed performance from Australian actor Duncan Ragg, who sinks effortlessly into the character, it is difficult to sympathise with John. He is an enigmatic protagonist; we know nothing about him, a complete blank canvas from his backstory to interests to his views on himself.
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Advertise with NZME.It's an effective way of highlighting the character's internal and external conflicts but also paints him as flippant and narcissistic. There is just not enough information to make you care for him and his indecisiveness only makes you pity his lovers more.
Those nameless (almost) lovers, played by Matt Minto and Matilda Ridgway, are the source of most of Cock's comedy thanks to their biting wit but also generate much of the tension and heart as they fight for their wavering lover. Similar to Bartlett's brilliant drama Doctor Foster, the conflict comes to a head at a dinner party, a scene where the empty stage is used to full effect, letting the cast prowl and scowl around each other in a Mexican standoff where words are the weapon of choice.
While not as bold as its name suggest, it's an intriguing, amusing and provoking 90 minutes of theatre. It shows a theatrical team at the height of their powers, but ultimately your feelings on the leading man will decide whether you leave satisfied or infuriatingly disappointed.
Theatre review
What: Cock
Where and When: Herald Theatre until August 12
Reviewer: Ethan Sills
