Jesus Hopped The 'A' Train by Stephen Adly Guiris. The Young Vic, The Cut, London SE 1. 4**** William Russell
London
JESUS HOPPED THE ‘A’ TRAIN
By Stephen Adly Guigis.
4****
The Young Vic, 66 The Cut, London SE1 8LZ to
Mon- Sat 7.30pm/
Mat Wed & Sat 2.30pm.
Runs 2hr One interval.
TICKETS: 020 7922 2922
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Review: William Russell 22 February.
Brilliantly staged and performed but hard to fathom what it is about.
Last seen at the Donmar in 2002 this revival directed by Kate Hewitt is a splendidly acted, cleverly staged affair but for all the brilliance of the arguments about faith, redemption and God it is really quite baffling trying to work out just what it is all about. In part this is because the cast speak at speed and the accents are hard to penetrate. But it has more to do with what they have to say than the difficulties presented by acting on a traverse stage when surrounded by the audience when backs are turned to half the room.
On Rikers Island two men are in adjacent cells. Angel is there because he is a serial killer. The other shot a man in the backside for good reason, accepting that shooting is acceptable, but the man died from his wounds as a result of medical malpractice. The law does not recognise this and he has been charged with murder.
They become friends, share cigarettes, discuss their situation, whether there is redemption, what God would say. It is fascinating and stimulating. Angel’s lawyer believes she can get him off the charge, but she does not reckon on Angel. The result is as stimulating an evening as one can imagine.
The performances are splendid, director Kate Hewitt has done a first rate job and for all the problems it presents this is a really exciting piece if theatre.
Oberon K. A. Adjepong: Lucius Jenkins.
Charlie D’Amico: Matthew Douglas.
Mary Jane Hanrahan: Dervla Kirwan.
Angel Cruz: Ukweli Roach.
Valdez: Joplin Sibtain.
Director: Kate Hewitt.
Set Designer: Magda Willi.
Costume Designer: Kinnetia Isidore.
Lighting Designer: Guy Hoare.
Sound Designer: Peter Rice.
Movement Director: Imogen Knight.
Voice & Dialect Coach: Charmian Hoare.
Production Photography: Johan Persson.