'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHORE
The Sunday Age
Sunday February 27, 2011
'TIS PITY SHE'S A WHOREMalthouse Theatre, Southbank until Saturday. Tel: 9685 5111If John Ford's controversial 17th-century play still retains the power to shock, it's more for the horrific vision of femaleness it presents to 21st-century eyes. Marion Potts' first production as Malthouse artistic director doesn't shy away from this violent misogyny but puts it centre stage. There are no heroes in this tragedy of incestuous love, just men who hate women and women who aren't too fond of each other. There are shortcomings; an ingenuous set design isn't always kind on vocal clarity, and performances vary wildly in confidence. There's still enough provocation to make this a rewarding, if frustrating, experience though. John Bailey
© 2011 The Sunday Age