If there is a new play – a work in progress production that is destined to send a ripple across the theatrical scene – then The Luncheon written by Kace Monney and Luis Amalia is that play. Also performed by them, part of the Queer Season and part of the John Thaw Initiative and curated by Otherland Theatre at the Tristan Bates, The Luncheon is like a sub machine going off, firing rapid comment after comment, remark after remark that is at times totally perplexing, random, radical, confrontational, decadent, deeply and darkly comic and also very satisfying and extremely enjoyable.
This two hander is experimental theatre at its best; not to everyone’s taste but it’s worth giving it a chance. The abstractness of the piece is also aspirational, bordering on the revolutionary. Amalia and Monney are challenging stereotypes, encouraging diversity, promoting artistic endeavours and exploring with bravado acting techniques and the elitism associated with mainstream theatre.
This is a romp with a serious look at society and hats off to both of them for creating a play that, like a good lunch, you can sink your teeth into. Intriguing!
Photos: Otherland – Max Herridge; Metamorph – Savannah Photographic
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The Luncheon was reviewed on Saturday 15th June in a one off performance at the Tristan Bates Theatre, 1A Tower Street, London WC2H 9NP. tristanbatestheatre.co.uk
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