Alpha Beta - Softcover

Whitehead, Ted

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0571099742 ISBN 13: 9780571099740

Publisher: Faber & Faber, 1972

Synopsis

'You know... when a structure has lost its essence but retained its shape, the geologists call it: a Pseudomorph. A false shape. That's our marriage.'



Mr and Mrs Elliot have imprisoned themselves within a domestic incarceration of marriage, family and society's twitching curtains. Battling through their self-made entrapment for the sake of the kids, they soon begin to destroy each other through an ugly routine of rows, affairs and suicidal blackmail.

Written with a controlled irony and an underlying compassion for its tormented characters, Ted Whitehead's bold and unflinching play asks questions about the choices we make to fit in with social conventions - questions that are just as relevant now as they were in 1972.

About this title

About the Author

Ted Whitehead was born in Liverpool in 1933. His first play, The Foursome, premiered at the Royal Court Upstairs in 1971 and transferred to the West End. Alpha Beta premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1972, directed by Anthony Page, with Albert Finney and Rachel Roberts. It went on to be performed at London’s Apollo Theatre. His later plays include The Sea Anchor, Mecca and Old Flames, and an adaptation of The Dance of Death at the Riverside Studios starring Alan Bates. He has also written extensively for television, including adaptations of The Life and Loves of a She Devil and The Mayor of Casterbridge.

Review

"Raw, vibrating energy...undeniably gripping." Genni Trickett, LondonTheatre1; "A painfully honest play...Ted Whitehead's play caused a stir at the Royal Court in 1972 and has rarely been seen since. I can't think why; as a portrait of domestic entrapment, it rivals Strindberg's The Dance of Death." Michael Billington, The Guardian; "A sharp and nuanced take on regret and want...Some smart and blackly comic moments" Karl O'Doherty, The Public Reviews; "Powerful and chilling" Gerald Berkowitz, TheatreGuideLondon; "A play as relevant today as it was in 1972, and it speaks volumes about how deceptively little the changing landscape of gender politics has affected certain sections of society" Rik Baker, Exeunt; "A strong dash of Strindberg in the couple's mutually destructive, well-rehearsed patterns of torture and recrimination... The voice of the angry young man reverberates around this two-hander of domestic strife and futile social rebellion." Sam Marlowe, The Times; "The combination of Whitehead's skill in creating multi-faceted characters and writing dialogue that really packs a punch, with Morell's innovative directorial choices make Alpha Beta a fantastic theatrical experience." Emily Jones, Bargain Theatre Land

Edition details

• Publisher: Faber & Faber
• Publication date: 1972
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0571099742
• ISBN 13: 9780571099740
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 70