Torn Apart is the story of three relationships, in three generations, in three beds. All of which have the sword of Damocles hanging overhead. We are invited to observe as these couples move from happy, sometimes orgasmic, bliss to much darker places. Along the way we discover the couples connections, which are not just situational. Sex is used as a visual representation of the dynamic of each relationship and this is incredibly effective.Torn Apart has some moments of movement which are reminiscent of Frantic Assembly pieces. What would have been easy to do would be to replicate something in that vein, but Torn Apart understands what makes Frantic Assembly great, showing character through movement. The movement is born from period of heightened emotional states and give us a glimpse of what the character is truly struggling with.
Another area where balance was handled very well is in terms of details given to the audience. Torn Apart is an honest show but not realistic and I mean this in the most complimentary way possible. Torn Apart has enough self-awareness to know it is a piece about relationships not a narrative; it doesn’t let details get in the way of the honesty of the situation. For example, an American soldier falls in love with a young Polish woman who fortunately can speak perfect english and discuss philosophical concepts and literary icons such as Oscar Wilde. There is no point in creating a language barrier between her and her lover because the honesty of the relationship and the identity of each character takes precedent; she must be able to say exactly what she needs to. Another example is someone falling very ill and we never know what from. This forces us as an audience to stop trying to rationalise and quantify what’s happening and to instead focus on the emotional journey.
The design of the show is a room outlined by string hanging from floor to ceiling. The audience feels like an outside observer as if peering through the walls straight into these bedrooms. This reinforces the feeling of honesty that runs throughout the piece. It also raises imagery of these characters feeling imprisoned or trapped and doomed to their fate of being “Torn Apart.”
In summary, Torn Apart is a beautifully nuanced piece of theatre that is well worth price of admission. The acting, direction and design are all on top game and it shouldn’t be missed. I drew comparison with Frantic Assembly and unfortunately that is where one of the show’s only weaknesses lies. As an exploration of character and relationships, that is intelligent and compelling, the most disappointing thing was that I never truly cared about these people or their relationships, that is the only reason that Torn Apart is not a five star production.
The Last Tango is a fun, dynamic and delightful show that moves swiftly through the evening portraying a love story through life.