London's vibrant theatre scene has been jolted awake by a formidable new production. Interview, now playing at the iconic Riverside Studios in Hammersmith, is not merely a play; it is a meticulously crafted psychological excavation that leaves audiences breathless and profoundly moved.
The narrative orbits around a seemingly simple conceit: a job interview. Yet, this is no ordinary meeting. The production masterfully subverts the format, transforming the sterile corporate setting into a charged arena where power dynamics shift like quicksand and personal histories are ruthlessly unearthed.
A Masterclass in Performative Tension
The true engine of this production is the electrifying dynamic between its two leads. The casting is nothing short of perfection. The interviewer, portrayed with a chilling blend of corporate polish and underlying menace, becomes an inquisitor of the soul. Their counterpart, the interviewee, delivers a performance of raw vulnerability and defiant strength, navigating a minefield of probing questions that quickly stray far from their CV.
Every glance, every hesitation, and every calculated pause is loaded with meaning. The dialogue crackles with subtext, building an almost unbearable tension that holds the audience in a vice-like grip from the first hello to the devastating final curtain.
An Atmospheric Tour de Force
The creative team behind Interview deserves resounding acclaim. The set design is a character in itself—a minimalist, almost clinical modern office that feels both familiar and eerily oppressive. This starkness is juxtaposed with a haunting soundscape and lighting design that subtly manipulates the mood, guiding the audience's emotional journey through moments of stark realism and surreal, dream-like sequences.
This is intelligent theatre at its finest. It holds a mirror up to our own performative lives, asking urgent questions about the masks we wear, the stories we tell to secure our place in the world, and the fragile nature of identity itself.
For those seeking a theatrical experience that is as intellectually stimulating as it is emotionally harrowing, Interview at Riverside Studios is an unmissable event. It is a shining example of London's unparalleled ability to produce daring, world-class drama.
