Ten years after its world premiere and two years after the playwright’s death, Sam Shepard’s Ages of the Moon receives a “finely tuned” UK premiere care of director Alexander Lass and stars Joseph Marcell and Christopher Fairbank. We’ve rounded up review highlights and audience reactions. Time to get booking!
On a hot summer’s night, deep in the American wilderness, Byron and Ames are reunited by mutual desolation. By the fading light of an eclipsing moon, the pair reflect on love and life over a bottle of whiskey – and as old rivalries flare, their forty-year friendship is put to the test at the barrel of a gun.
Joseph Marcell and Christopher Fairbank play ‘Byron’ and ‘Ames’. Ages of the Moon has set and costume design by Holly Pigott and is produced by Debbie Hicks.
Sam Shepard‘s play premiered in Dublin in 2009, starring Stephen Rea and Sean McGinley, and then transferred to New York the following year, with several subsequent productions in North America and Canada.
Audience reactions
Review highlights
Clive Davis: “Alexander Lass’ finely tuned production… has plenty to say about the mysteries of male friendship… The two men have provoked comparisons with Beckett’s Vladimir and Estragon, but Shepard’s characters are much earthier figures; you can almost smell the liquor on their breath.”
Paul Vale: “A polished, poignant and evocatively designed production of Sam Shepard’s play… A short and surprisingly moving two-hander focusing on ageing and how it affects us physically and mentally… The thoughtful and occasionally playful performances make the deepest impression.”
Arifa Akbar: “Sam Shepard bromance laughs in the face of death… Shepard picks apart the frailties of two men tormented by unspoken emotions… There are some almost heart-stopping moments, and laughs too.”
Michael Higgs: “With a wonderful chemistry between the actors, some attractive set designs by Holly Pigott, and plenty of comedy amidst the more dramatic moments, this production is funny, pleasant, and often just plain charming.”
Philip Fisher: “Ages of the Moon takes a short, quirky look at what it means to be an ageing, politically incorrect man at a time when that breed is fast going out of fashion and makes some perceptive points.”
Rachel Williams: “Shepard’s writing is good. It’s lyrical, it captures that very certain sort of melancholy that’s linked to age and memory, it sounds nice on the ear too… if you’re a Sam Shepard fan, it’s a must.”
Ages of the Moon runs from 17 October to 24 November 2019 at The Vaults, Launcelot Street off Lower Marsh, London SE1 7NN with performances Tuesdays to Saturdays at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday matinees at 3pm. Tickets priced from £15. CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE!
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