In Other Words is a play about Jane (Jennifer Ward-Lealand) and Arthur (Michael Hurst) a long married couple who come face to face with their mortality when Arthur is diagnosed with dementia.
The story unfolds as a series of scenes flashing back and forward through encompassing the couple’s courtship and life together. These scenes are accompanied by others where the couple break the fourth wall and explain their motivations and offer insight on each encounter which creates a lovely sense of intimacy.
They share their clumsy first meeting where Arthur literally bumps into Jane, spilling red wine down her top. His awkward attempts to apologise and make amends initially rebuffed, but eventually he worms his way into her affection. He, is already smitten.
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Their courtship, their love of music, their occasional misunderstandings, the fullness of their love and revealed. But so, sadly, is the misfortune that will engulf this couple. Arthur starts forgetting things, losing the car keys, having trouble articulating words.
The diagnosis when it comes is of course devastating for both of them and comes with guilt, frustration, fear. As time progresses Arthur’s world shrinks and he becomes dependent on the love of his life even as the memory of who she is dims in his mind.
There are moments of happiness and respite, particularly when they both connect to the simple shared loves – music, dance, regular cups of tea. But these are fleeting.
The central issue in this play is of course a challenging one, but it is not maudlin production. There is a careful balance of light and dark which mean the tragic is contrasted with happiness and laughter.
Hurst and Ward-Lealand offer this all up so perfectly and are masterful in their depiction of the complexities of life and the joys and sorrows it brings. In one riveting scene, Ward-Lealand delivers a heart wrenching monologue about Jane’s anguish and the very dark thoughts she has while struggling to care for her husband.
The fact these two actors are married in real life added a certain poignance for me. I know I wasn’t witnessing the lives of ‘Jennifer’ and ‘Michael’ on stage and these seasoned actors are quite capable of producing a convincing portrayal of married life even if they were not a couple. But they are, and they have therefore experienced the challenges of marriage and this in my book added a richness to the drama.
In Other Words is a piece of work that will make you think about life, death, and your relationships to the people you love. The subject matter is not easy, but the play is wonderfully written, deftly performed and replete with gentle humour. Despite it’s inevitable sadness it shines a light on the strength, compassion and importance of love.
👉 Watch my interview with Jennifer and Michael as they discuss the play:
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IN OTHER WORDS
3 – 15 September 2024
Q Theatre
