W;t

Overview

It's fair to say that I didn't exactly shine in my year of university-level English. I quickly discovered that stern academics and huge reading lists weren't for me and got the hell out of there. Not so for the protagonist of this drama, Vivian Bearing, who possesses both a PhD and a glittering career specialising in one of the trickier 17th century metaphysical poets. The only thing blocking her path to unprecedented academic glory is a slightly more serious condition than mine: advanced ovarian cancer.

Such a sober tale as this takes a great sensitivity to tell, which playwright Margaret Edson delivers, but the brilliance of this work is given away in its title. The script specialises in a generous kind of intellectualism, where witticisms and profound poetics set the bar high yet are framed to make sure everyone can jump over. The successful translation of this to stage is largely in the hands of the lead, Karen Bayly, whose performance is exceptional. Also worthy of mention is James Croke's efficiently aesthetic set design, which frames the piece succinctly while allowing it to develop in unexpected ways.

Clever, cheeky and just plain funny, W;t puts heart and head in the same room and finds they have a pretty inspiring conversation.

Image by Bob Seary.