Waste,

[wildeabandon]

I went to see Waste at the National Theatre this weekend. It was extremely bleak, with barely a single likable character, but that's kind of what you look for when going to the theatre with Oliver. I enjoyed it immensely. It asks interesting questions about idealism vs pragmatism, and the difference between what one does and whom one is, and about how the relationship between church and state should work. I'm not sure it tells you how to answer any of these questions, or even how the writer would, but that uncertainly and lack of resolution feels appropriate.

The acting was excellent. Restrained and pointed for the most part, but with intensity bubbling away underneath and building tension until it couldn't help but escape in brief passionate moments before being locked up again. I was particularly taken with the set design, which was simple and sparse, and perfectly reflected the mood of the play.