The Trial

Brockley Jack

24th August 2016

4 Stars

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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