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Jerusalem 'is chaotic, rebellious and perfect'
Jerusalem could be the ideal play to watch this spring, one critic has said.
Tuesday, 16 February 2010
Jerusalem has been recommended to anyone who wants to watch a nostalgic but very clever play.
Charlotte Higgins from the Guardian recently went to watch Jez Butterworth's new West End show and said that she loves how it examines what it means to be English without resorting to saccharine sweetness.
She also pointed out that it features some very satisfying literary references, including allusions to Shakespeare and Byron.
"Butterworth's England is messy, chaotic, rebellious - and above all, infused with the spirit of Shakespeare. Perfect," Ms Higgins remarked.
For example, she pointed out that Jerusalem's woodlands are reminiscent of the setting for both As You Like It and A Midsummer Night's Dream, leading audiences to consider themes including how it feels to be an outsider.
The critic also said she enjoyed the performance of Mark Rylance, who plays the lead character.
Anyone attending performances of Jerusalem may also be interested in casting their eye over a programme, as the London Evening Standard reported this week that Mackenzie Crook has designed the artwork.
