The Chess Player 4 **** - One4Review
one4review | On 12, Aug 2017
“In chess, as a purely intellectual game, where randomness is excluded, – for someone to play against himself is absurd …
It is as paradoxical, as attempting to jump over his own shadow.”
― Stefan Zweig,
THE CHESS PLAYER is inspired by Stephan Zweig’s novella
Be warned; this is not a cheery tale. The award-winning Richard McElvain has written and now performs this interesting piece using the medium of chess to explore man’s survival instincts.
The circumstances could not be darker. The main action is set in a cell, while our character under goes SS interrogation.
In the intimacy of this small venue we are taken on a journey through the dark suffering of solitary confinement.
Richard demonstrates his masterful stage craft by bringing the various characters to life with an interesting and colourful dialogue.
He also interacts with the audience and stage crew to break up the somewhat repetitive nature of the story. Highly recommended if you have read the book or a chess player. Or If you are curious about the working of the human mind. Here you will find a stimulating and entertaining show.
Recommended.
****
Reviewed by Rob
Studio Primo C
12.00 to 13.15
Until 28th
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Very Good.
Richard plays all the parts so well you are expecting a curtain call for each character at the end of the play. (maybe he could put that bit in!)
Very convincing scenes watching the prisoner going mad.
Have told all my chess buddies to nip along and catch it whilst they can.
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