It may be based on a classic novel from 1740, but the modernised version still has the power to shock even the most jaded of modern audiences. After previews started this week, reports emerged of audience members keeling over, alongside salacious descriptions of “sexually explicit orgies” and violence. Blanchett herself has stated the importance of challenging audiences and the art-form itself and has mixed art-house cinema and theatre projects with big screen blockbusters like Ocean’s 8 and Thor Ragnarok. She said: “I always see theatre as a provocation.”
Based on the Georgian epistolary novel ‘Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded’ by Samuel Richardson, the play explores the modern nature of relationships between the sexes in frank and often disturbing scenes.
The official synopsis says: “This new play breaks through the surface of contemporary debate to explore the messy, often violent nature of desire and the fluid, complicated roles that men and women play. Using Samuel Richardson’s novel, Pamela, as a provocation, six characters act out a dangerous game of sexual domination and resistance.”
The Times reported an audience member Samuel Tucker saying: “The whole thing is a bit much, to be honest. It is so in-your-face violent and so in-your-face sexual and if you are not about that life, it might come across as shocking.”
Tucker also tweeted that an audience member fainted and an ambulance was called.
When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other was already a phenomenon, with the entire run selling out instantly and tickets allocated through a ballot system. Limited tickets remain available on the day, but eager fans are queuing through the night for them.
The play also stars theatre icon and Game of Thrones Stannis Baratheon star Stephen Dillane
Blanchett has spoken about her passionate belief in the new work and the importance that theatre remains relevant: “You make a piece for the time you’re in, otherwise it’s not relevant. What’s the point of doing it?
“I always see theatre as a provocation. You’re not up there running for office, you’re asking a series of questions. Some people might be enraged, some perplexed, some people might be excited. Hopefully, it’s the conversation afterwards that’s the most important.”
The play has certainly ignited conversation, but the salient points may have missed in the furore. Much of the media coverage failed to emphasise that the lady in question was elderly and her fainting may have been due to heat, exhaustion or any other factors.
Tucker also clarified his comments about the play, adding: “I have no words only praise! When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other is a must see! I personally thought Cate Blanchett was outstanding.”
When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other at the National Theatre to March 2
FOR MORE INFORMATION AND LAST MINUTE TICKET AVAILABILITY GO TO www.nationaltheatre.org.uk/shows/when-we-have-sufficiently-tortured-each-other