In a London psychiatric hospital, an enigmatic patient claims to be the son of an African dictator - a story that becomes unnervingly plausible. An incendiary tale of race, madness and a Darwinian power struggle at the heart of a dying National Health Service, Joe Penhall's multi award-winning play premiered at the National Theatre in April 2000. This tight, funny and thought-provoking three-hander comes to Prompt Corner in November 2006.
CAST
Christopher – Chukwudi Onwere
Dr Bruce Flaherty – Kester Hynds
Dr Robert Smith - John Hartnett
Bruce is young and keen to make his mark on the psychiatric profession as soon as possible. This ‘vaulting ambition’ causes him to come into conflict with his mentor Bruce and threatens to ‘o’erleap itself’ to the extent that it puts his entire career at risk. Can he balance his sympathy for his patient with his need for advancement and still placate the powerful Dr Smith.
This is a fascinating play which constantly had be switching allegiances between the characters when I first saw it and still does so today.
Anton Krause Director
