Synopsis

A tranquil Welsh countryside becomes the battleground for ideas, personal histories, and unresolved tensions.

Nadia Blye, an American professor of political studies and former war correspondent, visits the Welsh home of her boyfriend Philip Lucas to meet his father, Oliver. Throughout their stay, what begins as polite conversation evolves into a profound exploration of personal and political ideologies.

The play deftly weaves together themes of political responsibility, personal ethics, and the lasting impact of past decisions. As the night wears on and defences lower, each character is forced to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and their beliefs. Hare’s keen insight into human nature shines through as he explores how our personal experiences shape our worldviews and the often blurry line between conviction and self-deception.

The Vertical Hour offers a nuanced examination of the intersection between the personal and the political, asking whether it’s truly possible to separate our private lives from our public stances?