Review: PORN PLAY, Royal Court Theatre
The title of Sophia Chetin-Leuner's new play is certainly shocking but does the content of Porn Play match its name?
Ambika Mod plays Ani, an award-winning academic who specialises in the work of poet, John Milton. But her fascination with Paradise Lost and its exploration of the temptation of Adam and Eve extends into her own life as she tackles a secret addiction to violent pornography. It is here that Chetin-Leuner's subject matter first makes an impact, as art about such a topic is rarely created especially with a female character at the centre. This adds an extra layer to the shame and isolation Ani experiences which is highlighted by a scene in which she is the only woman at a support group and is chastised for being a trigger. Chetin-Leuner's writing is wonderfully intellectual and nuanced. Ideas are floated as to why Ani has this addiction, but no conclusions are drawn. The play instead focuses on the intersection between pain and pleasure and how good and evil are not mutually exclusive.
Directed by the acclaimed Josie Rourke, Porn Play is set in the round and the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs at the Royal Court has been transformed by a giant oval shaped sofa. Cheekily designed by Yimei Zhao, the set looks like a part of the female anatomy. It conceals a multitude of props, some of which are revealed with flourish and in the case of a roll of medical examination paper, hilarity. Female sexuality is at the centre of this piece; in the opening scene, Ani’s boyfriend confronts her about the frequency of which she watches porn and the severity of its content. Ani is clearly in denial but refreshingly she makes no attempt to hide her interest and condemns him for criticising women with a strong sex drive. Rourke and Chetin-Leuner have not shied away from challenging their audience and making them feel uncomfortable. However, as the play continues the number of scenes featuring masturbation, while probably representative of a real addict, do start to become a little repetitive and gratuitous.
Porn Play’s subject matter is incredibly bold and thoughtful and so are the performances of its cast. Ambika Mod is fearless and magnetic as Ani. She hardly leaves the stage and brings a devastating naturalism to this intense and challenging play. In a production as dark as this, some light is much appreciated and this comes from Lizzy Connolly who is fantastic as a triggered student, Ani’s best friend, and matter of fact doctor. Her comedic timing and mastering of accents are excellent. Will Close portrays a snapshot of men ranging from Ani’s sensitive boyfriend to a brash salesman and fellow porn addict. Asif Khan completes the cast as Ani’s father who struggles to connect as she falls further into her addiction.
Porn Play will not be for everyone but if you are looking for an intellectual and powerful night at the theatre then this is a must see.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Sophie Luck
Porn Play runs at London’s Royal Court until 13 December, with further info via the link below:
https://royalcourttheatre.com/events/porn-play/
Photo credit: Helen Murray