HARLEY Granville Barker’s 1906 play, Waste was initially refused a license by the Lord Chamberlain and had to be performed privately by the Stage Society in 1906. The play’s bad luck continued when on the first night of the most recent revival at the National Theatre, an audience member collapsed a few minutes before the end of the performance and an ambulance was called.
Charles Edwards (Henry Trebell) in the National Theatre’s production of Waste. Photograph: Johan Persson
Waste is a significant and thought provoking piece of writing, though extremely wordy and requires a certain amount of concentration to keep track of the loaded political language. The play revolves around an ambitious independent politician, Henry Trebell (Charles Edwards) and his plans to push through a bill that will disestablish the Church of England. Shortly before he is due to join an incoming Tory government, Trebell’s lover Amy (Olivia Williams) falls pregnant and the results are irreparably damaging. Amy is in an unhappy and loveless marriage to an Irish Sinn Fein supporter and in a highly publicised twist, she decides to have a backstreet abortion, which kills her.
Emerald O’Hanrahan (Lucy Davenport) and Charles Edwards (Henry Trebell). Photograph: Johan Persson
There are many forms of “waste” in the play from the waste of life in the death of both Amy and her unborn child to the waste of Trebell’s potential talents due to the scandal. Roger Michell’s direction is impressive and captivating, and although the action takes a little while to get going, it is worth the investment to witness some really admirable performances. Hildegard Bechtler’s set design is sterile and unforgiving, cleverly mirroring the emptiness of Trebell’s life. However, the repeated scene changes of sliding panelled doors did feel predictable after a challenging three-hour performance.
Charles Edwards (Henry Trebell) and Olivia Williams (Amy O’Connell). Photograph: Johan Persson
Strong performances certainly carry this loquacious piece of writing. Olivia Williams in particular is dazzling as flighty, emotional Amy. Her epic hysterical showdown with Trebell at the close of the first act is mighty and extremely touching. The audience winces, as Williams seems psychically repulsed by her pregnant body as if she were now an infected criminal. Similarly Charles Edwards gives a deeply affective performance as a man who is more aroused by his career than his relationships.
Sylvestra le Touzel as Frances Trebell in Waste. Photograph: Johan Persson
Waste is well worth seeing, however Granville Barker’s penchant for grandiose speeches might wear a little thin by the final half hour.
by Heather Doughty
Waste is at the Lyttelton Theatre at the National Theatre until March 19
National Theatre South Bank, London, SE1 9PX.
Box Office: 0207 452 3000