Play Details
Context
Artistic Director
Ian Rickson
Translated by
Mark O’Thomas
Original Language
Portugese
Part of
New Plays from Brazil (Rehearsed Reading)
Dates Performed
Monday 20th January 2003
Jerwood Theatre Upstairs
Play Details
Synopsis
Antonio, a man tormented by an incessant ringing in his ears, navigates the fraught landscape of his living room, where the everyday transforms into a stage for deeper anxieties and strained relationships. His wife, Sara, attempts to soothe his fears while grappling with her own unease. As they converse, Antonio’s obsessive focus on the mysterious noise and the violent incident that may have caused it reveals the cracks in their marriage. Their exchanges, filled with silences and sudden bursts of laughter, paint a vivid picture of a couple teetering on the edge, their home turned into a battleground of unresolved trauma and fear.
The play delves into themes of paranoia, the psychological aftermath of violence, and the fragility of human connections. Barbosa’s minimalist dialogue and careful pacing intensify the suspense, with each pause and silence amplifying the tension. Through Antonio and Sara’s interactions, the play explores how love and fear intertwine, creating a gripping narrative that captures the essence of human vulnerability. The form, marked by its focus on intimate, everyday moments, underscores the emotional weight of their ordeal, making Almost Nothing a powerful examination of ordinary life under extraordinary stress.
Cast & Creative
Cast
David Westhead
Cast
Michelle Fairley
Translator