The Trial
Brockley Jack
24th August 2016
4 Stars
At a time when civil liberties are never far from the headlines, it is a timely season to stage Kafka’s The Trial. However, this is no ordinary version.
Howard Colyer has adapted a complex and multi-faceted play into an extended monologue, in which the protagonist Joseph K is doing all of the talking.
Kafka’s tale is the story of a man arrested and prosecuted by a shadowy nemesis, with no knowledge of his crime or what brought him into his current state. The subject matter is as compelling as ever; in an age of rendition, the creeping horror of being accused of a crime you didn’t commit is still highly relatable.
Colyer’s reworking is an effective one and the play loses none of its sharpness and quality. The set is simple but effective, with a prison cell covered in obsessive and repetitive graffiti.
However, the ending is somewhat abrupt and could do with some better pacing; it is not an overly long production and so could easily be given more space to develop.
Brendan O’Rourke is remarkable as Joseph K,; he is touching and gentle as the protagonist, whilst adopting a number of different characters throughout. There is a shapeshifting quality to his voice and physical characterisation and it means he can drift between different characters in a free-flowing manner.
The Trial is an intense and thought-provoking evening, giving a fresh perspective on one of Kafka’s most famous works. An intriguing play in an excellent theatre.
The Trial runs at The Brockley Jack until Saturday 27 August 2016
Photos: Jessy Boon Cowler
Danny Coleman-Cooke is an experienced writer, who covers news, sport and comedy for high-profile personalities and broadcasters. His speeches and scripts can be seen on stage, on primetime TV and in Parliament, broadcast to wide and diverse audiences. His experience includes writing for the BBC’s Have I Got News for You, Channel 4’s Paralympics coverage, and the Premier League’s live match commentary. He has also managed social media accounts for a number of major brands, including Tesco, The Guardian and the BBC. He's also a well-established speechwriter, scriptwriter and copywriter and has written for a wide range of famous faces in the world of politics and entertainment. He recently had his first theatrical credit, as co-writer of a musical adaptation of Beowulf, which toured the Midlands and was performed at the Royal Albert Hall. Danny is a huge theatre fan and was part of the writing team for the 2015 and 2016 Olivier Awards.
Stay in the spotlight
Get the latest theatre news, reviews and exclusive offers straight to your inbox.
