It’s not difficult to make theatre. After all, what is it? Just a bunch of people pretending to be other than they are. Easy. The audience wants it that way.
What is theatre? A seriously silly thing.
No, it’s not difficult to make theatre. What’s difficult is making a difference…. when there’s a bunch of people pretending to be other than they are, and the audience most definitely wants it that way.
Such is the story of The Temperamentals. Jon Marans’ play explores the challenge of political engagement when everyone would prefer that pretence continue.
The Temperamentals speaks of gay rights and responsibilities. It’s about coming out and being counted. It’s about not pretending.
This is a political play, as all plays are; though some are more honest. Plays that suggest engagement can be avoided, that we can lead lives separate from each other, form a far too large sub-genre – best referred to as “political tragedy”.
Both moving and funny, The Temperamentals is the story of a very brave group of men, and director Kevin Jackson has elicited powerful performances from his entire ensemble.
And as the ensemble “pretend” to be these brave men, we might consider our pretence – that we are satisfied living in a society that does not yet share all rights with all of its citizens.
So what is theatre?
A serious silly thing.
Veronica Kaye
The Temperamentals
New Theatre til 3 March
Theatre Red 
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