Yaël Farber directs the Scottish play at the Almeida James McArdle ans Saoirse Ronan (Photo: Sebastian Nevois) THE TRAGEDY OF MACBETH by William Shakespeare Directed by Yaël Farber Friday 1…
The Mercy Seat is not really about September 11th but the analysis of a relationship. The devastation of Manhattan is a backdrop to the play and provides the opportunity for Ben (John Hannah) to divest himself of his obligations and responsibilities to his wife and children. The horror of the tragedy serves to expose the ruthlessness of Ben's self interest. While so many people were being brave here is the ultimate act of cowardice.
She is Frieda Joubert, a librarian (Scarlett Brookes) and he is Errol Philander, a schoolteacher (Shaq Taylor) at a township school. They met when he came to the library to obtain a book to do with his correspondence course. He is looking to improve and she is looking to help him, but they fell in love.