'Other Desert Cities' at The Old Vic

'Other desert cities' written by Jon Robin Baitz (Pulitzer Prize finalist and creator of hit TV series, Brothers & Sisters and contributor on The West Wing) is a modern play tackling issues of politics versus family life, changes that happened in USA from 1960, that is increasing polarisation of main political parties with growing influence of conservative Tea Party within the republican coalition, and bitter truth beneath the sugar coated American dream.

 
It’s Christmas Eve in Palm Springs. Brooke Wyeth  (Martha Plimpton) novelist who suffered from depression and writers block is back home to celebrate the holidays with her uptight and politically involved parents (Sinead Cusack and Peter Egan), younger brother (Daniel Lapaine)  and alcoholic aunt (Clare Higgins). But the family celebration is brought to a halt when Brook informs her family that her new book is a memoir, which focuses on her infamous dead brother who was suspected of  aiding a terrorist act in 70's, and on his broken relationship with their parents who she blames for his downfall and suicide. 

The play is very well written, fast paced, full of sarcastic humour, with great observations of modern day America and pop culture. The tension is skilfully raised with each coming scene and family dynamic is brilliantly depicted everyone who visits their parents can find some scary and funny similarities to there own life.

Acting is absolutely superb, Sinead Cusac's portrayal of  Polly is top notch, she owns the stage making her character incredibly compelling despite her despotic and overbearing personality , Peter Eagan is perfect as a softer and more approachable father figure, Clare Higgins as Silda is a worthy adversary to Polly and her comic timing is wonderful. Martha Plimpton gives a solid performance as tormented and self-righteous Brook although in some moments I found her acting a bit over the top. Daniel Lapain  is really great, he adds warmth and compassion to the character of Trip who despite being ridiculed for making bad taste TV shows is the voice of reason and heart within this dysfunctional family.

I truly enjoyed this play and would recommend it to anyone who is looking for drama with intelligent story, witty script and high quality acting.
 


For this season Old Vic has been completely transformed, if you have been there before you will be stunned and impressed by how they managed to change the auditorium into the round, the floor has been raised, the stage is round and situated in the centre, and additional seats are placed in the space where the stage used to be.