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1972

A Sense of Detachment

Written by John Osborne

Play Details

Context

Artistic Director
Oscar Lewenstein

Dates Performed

Monday 4th December 1972
Jerwood Theatre Downstairs

Play Details

Synopsis

On a sparse, abstract stage, societal norms and personal indifference are dissected with biting satire

The Host, Older Woman, and Young Man navigate a world where personal connections are hollow and consumerism reigns supreme. The play challenges the viewers to confront the numbing effects of media saturation and the erosion of genuine human interaction.

Osborne employs a mix of scripted dialogue and audience interaction to heighten the sense of detachment and absurdity. The characters’ exchanges often appear disjointed and surreal, reflecting the fragmented nature of modern existence. Themes of pornography, media influence, and emotional disconnection are examined with Osborne’s characteristic wit and sharp social critique, pushing the audience to reflect on their own complicity in the societal malaise.

Director(s)

Frank Dunlop

Poster credit

Poster courtesy of V&A Theatre and Performance Archive

Cast & Creative

Cast

Jeni Barnett

Cast

Denise Coffey

Cast

Terence Frisby

Cast

Hugh Hastings

Cast

Nigel Hawthrone

Cast

David Hill

Cast

Peter Jolley

Cast

Rachel Kempson

Cast

Ralph Michael

Cast

John Standing

Designer

Nadine Baylis

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