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In the captivating play A Mirror, even the ushers are part of the performance. They inform the audience that the “celebration” will last two hours with no re-entry. The foyer is beautifully decorated, complete with balloons, a visitors’ book, and an order of service for each chair. Jonny Lee Miller, with the air of a registrar on a tight schedule, roams the auditorium while the groom nervously takes his place by the floral arrangements. As the radiant bride enters and the ceremony begins, something feels off. The bride and groom make strange, fascistic gestures, and suddenly, the truth is unveiled. The entire set is dismantled, and the actors acknowledge the audience for being brave enough to witness an illegal, unregulated play in a police state.
In this thought-provoking play, Jan Čelik (played by Miller), an official in the ministry of culture, is responsible for licensing new plays. He calls in Adem, a novice writer, to his office to discuss the sexual and potentially seditious content in his debut script. Despite the unsuitable subject matter, Čelik recognizes the social-realist potential in Adem’s writing. He sees an opportunity to mould Adem into writing in the approved style of Bax (played by Geoffrey Streatfeild), a celebrated author who produces uplifting stories about noble workers. However, Adem’s attempts to explain his unique writing style invites more trouble, inadvertently criticizing the regime with each word. Meanwhile, Bax, a miserable and uninspired alcoholic, serves as a stark contrast to Adem’s creativity.
Sam Holcroft’s clever and imaginative drama takes the concept of a play within a play to a whole new level. It features a nested playlet and several dramatized readings, adding depth and complexity to the storytelling. Mei, a young assistant to Čelik, helps with the script revisions. Initially unfamiliar with the world of culture, Mei is secretly thrilled when her boss gives her a contraband copy of Romeo and Juliet. As the characters of Čelik, Bax, Adem, and Mei engage in lively discussions about the purpose and meaning of playwriting, the audience is left wondering how far fantasy can be pushed before it becomes a threat to the state.
Miller delivers a standout performance as the pedantic but well-intentioned censor, Čelik, unaware of the danger he himself is in. Ward impresses as Adem, holding his ground against the seasoned Miller and fearlessly sticking to his artistic vision. Reynolds brings comedic brilliance to the role of Mei, transforming from awkward to sensuous as her passion for art grows. The fast-paced and occasionally farcical action keeps the audience engaged, never allowing the weight of artistic debate to overshadow the play’s momentum.
As the play reaches its climax, an unexpected twist leaves some questions unanswered. However, the chilling realization of authoritarianism seeps in as Miller slowly removes his black gloves. Overall, this production deserves a five-star rating for its thought-provoking themes and exceptional performances.
Show runs until September 23. Visit almeida.co.uk for more details.
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