The Weight of the Light of the World

Synopsis

A surreal living room that shifts between reality and performance, blurring the lines of time and identity.

Joan, a middle-aged Scouse woman, wrestles with repressed trauma in therapy sessions, while Bird, Jackie, and Mona – echoes of 1970s bohemia – exist in a parallel narrative. As Joan unravels her past, the trio’s banter grows increasingly menacing, culminating in a confrontation with an unseen character named Bob.

John Joseph’s darkly comic play blends naturalistic dialogue with surreal elements, including an erratic TV laugh track and intrusive phone calls. The non-linear structure and fluid character identities create a dreamlike atmosphere, mirroring Joan’s fragmented psyche. Through this kaleidoscopic lens, the play explores trauma, identity, performativity, and the clash between personal truth and societal expectations.