Subtle, Yet Beautiful: Kiss Of The Spiderwoman UK Review

Kiss Of The Spiderwoman was originally published in 1976. Manuel Puig's moving story of two complete opposites, becoming friends, despite their stark differences, is still incredibly moving. This is partly because director, Charlotte Westenra's approach is subtle and not at all cliched. It's also due to the beautifully etched performances of both Rupert Evans and Will Keen. 

It's 1976 and the setting is a prison in Buenos Aires. Luis Alberto Molina (Keen) is a gay window dresser, thrown into prison for 'indecent exposure.' Valentin Arregui Paz (Evans) shares the cell; his crime - his Marxist political beliefs. These two unilkely 'house mates' become friends, in order to survive. They discuss everything, from politics, sexuality, and gender roles within society. 

They help each other get through each long, and uneventful day. Valentin reads to escape from the grim reality, whereas Molina recalls plots from old B movies, including Cat People. The Marxist is obsessed by these stories and longs to find out what happened next. The effeminate window dresser cleans, cooks and generally keeps house. Both men, though, hide secrets - which the long days and nights will reveal. 

Apart from their conversations, the only sounds the two men hear are the footsteps of the guards, keep watch along the corridors and squabbling inmates. Valentin's willowy frame begins to become more frailer as he becomes quite ill. Molina rises to the challenge of nurse maid, attempting to bring his friend back to good health. Both men suffer; Valentin for his political beliefs and Molina for sexuality. 

As the days and nights crawl by, the men form a bond, both emotionally and physically. But when Molina gets attached to his cell mate, he is met with a short, sharp response; "everything in a man's life is temporary" snaps Valentin. 

This excellent play, direct from the Donmar in London, is powerfully drawn. The two characters are engaging on the page, but here they are bought to life with so much vigour by the talented actors. Repressed emotionally and oppressed by outside forces, this odd couple begins to act, as if they are living together in the outside world. Acting as if  prison life is the norm, is the only way that  they will be free.

Ben Stones' concrete style set really gives you the enclosed feel you require to feel these characters' pain. There is literally nothing for these men to do, and nowhere to hide. Andrew Taylor's evocative lighting also adds tension and atmosphere at pivotal moments. 

Keen is touching as Molina, the man not ashamed of his female traits. He laughs nervously at his own jokes and even tests hot water with his elbow, before washing his sick friend. Evans is boyish, bookish, and always convincing as the political activist who needs a friend. The sex scene, which could have been so awkward, is utterly involving and touchingly portrayed.

The pacing of the play is incredibly tight, the dialogue is rich, and the questions that the play raises are always relevant. This is the most enjoyable night in a theatre, I have had in a very long time. Many critics have said the play is dated. But the issues are ever relevant in a world where peoples' political beliefs are questioned. Likewise, the role of the male and debates about masculinity still remain contemporary topics within society. In short; Spiderwoman is a beautiful and thought-provoking play; a real must-see.

Glenn Meads

(Reviewed at the Lowry, Salford)

For more details go to www.thelowry.com (Kiss Of The Spiderwoman continues until Saturday 16th June)