Alpha Beta

(Paperback)

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Description

You know when a structure has lost its essence but retained its shape, the geologists call it: a Pseudomorph. A false shape. Thats our marriage.

Mr and Mrs Elliot have imprisoned themselves within a domestic incarceration of marriage, family and societys twitching curtains. Battling through their self-made entrapment for the sake of the kids, they soon begin to destroy each other through an ugly routine of rows, affairs and suicidal blackmail.

Written with a controlled irony and an underlying compassion for its tormented characters, Ted Whiteheads bold and unflinching play asks questions about the choices we make to fit in with social conventions questions that are just as relevant now as they were in 1972.

Reviews

A strong dash of Strindberg in the couples mutually destructive, well-rehearsed patterns of torture and recrimination... The voice of the angry young man reverberates around this two-hander of domestic strife and futile social rebellion. -- Sam Marlowe * The Times *
A painfully honest play...Ted Whiteheads play caused a stir at the Royal Court in 1972 and has rarely been seen since. I cant think why; as a portrait of domestic entrapment, it rivals Strindbergs The Dance of Death. -- Michael Billington * The Guardian *
A strong dash of Strindberg in the couple's mutually destructive, well-rehearsed patterns of torture and recrimination... The voice of the angry young man reverberates around this two-hander of domestic strife and futile social rebellion. * Sam Marlowe, The Times *
Raw, vibrating energy...undeniably gripping. * Genni Trickett, LondonTheatre1 *
A painfully honest play...Ted Whitehead's play caused a stir at the Royal Court in 1972 and has rarely been seen since. I can't think why; as a portrait of domestic entrapment, it rivals Strindberg's The Dance of Death. * Michael Billington, The Guardian *
A sharp and nuanced take on regret and want...Some smart and blackly comic moments" Karl O'Doherty, The Public Reviews; "Powerful and chilling * Gerald Berkowitz, TheatreGuideLondon *
A play as relevant today as it was in 1972, and it speaks volumes about how deceptively little the changing landscape of gender politics has affected certain sections of society * Rik Baker, Exeunt *
The combination of Whitehead's skill in creating multi-faceted characters and writing dialogue that really packs a punch, with Morell's innovative directorial choices make Alpha Beta a fantastic theatrical experience. * Emily Jones, Bargain Theatre Land *

Author Bio

Ted Whitehead was born in Liverpool in 1933. His first play, The Foursome, premiered at the Royal Court Upstairs in 1971 and transferred to the West End. Alpha Beta premiered at the Royal Court Theatre in 1972, directed by Anthony Page, with Albert Finney and Rachel Roberts. It went on to be performed at Londons Apollo Theatre. His later plays include The Sea Anchor, Mecca and Old Flames, and an adaptation of The Dance of Death at the Riverside Studios starring Alan Bates. He has also written extensively for television, including adaptations of The Life and Loves of a She Devil and The Mayor of Casterbridge.