You probably think that all we do here at the Observer is eat out and drink. While this is largely true, we’re also a cultured office and we like to imbibe a play now and again. So we find ourselves at the White Bear Theatre to see the play ‘Savage’. If you’re not aware of the Bear, it’s a space upstairs at the White Bear pub that’s been focussed on new and cutting edge writing since it was founded in the 80’s.
Our play starts in Copenhagen, 1940, and homosexuality is legal until Nazi tanks roll into town. Nikolai and Zack are enjoying a clandestine relationship that they subtly accept is doomed, and doom is sealed when they are arrested and encounter Dr. Carl Vaernet, who claims to have discovered a cure for homosexuality involving the injection of monkey testosterone. This absurd reality is underlined by a visiting SS officer who takes an overcurious interest in this innovation as he sips his champagne cocktails to endless, gun toting abandon. We are strategically avoiding more detail here as we don’t undertake plot spoilers, as that would make us no better than Time Out. But our tale takes us from Copenhagen to Prague to Connecticut via the home of an altruistic nurse.
On this visit your scribe was accompanied by our new Diversity czar Kevin (whose claims of diversity seem to extend to having had a Spanish boyfriend for a few months). He observed the real chemistry between the two leads and noted their passion for one another while anticipating the powers that will doom their love. As a contrast there’s a much more troubled relationship here, but that’s for you to discover, dear reader. This is also a lesson in the privilege that most of us enjoy while others are left to languish in their vulnerability. Brits being repatriated to the UK while locals living in the Middle East can’t escape shouldn’t be ignored here. Another texture for you to ponder in this topical play.
Savages is a vast undertaking and perhaps the tiny venue does it no justice, but is nevertheless worth seeing. Savages is on now and runs until 15 March at the White Bear and tickets can be grabbed here. While the theatre is situated within the White Bear pub, it is independently owned and not part of the Youngs mega chain. There’s some twee little fake Kennington memorabilia around the pub to distract you and apparently the food is nice, or so say our mega chain loving friends.
Please note that in this play there is a trigger warning for people offended by nudity. Equally, there is a trigger warning for people who prefer a bit of nudity.
