Regular theatre goers will be aware that when East was originally performed, it caused quite a stir due to its relentless use of explicit profanity, graphic depictions of sexual encounters, and unapologetic portrayal of working-class machismo, racism, and misogyny.
The play premiered at the Edinburgh Festival at the Traverse in 1975, with the production later transferring to the King’s Head in London.
East is a 1975 verse play by Steven Berkoff, deals with growing up and rites of passage in London’s rough East End.
Readers who watch certain tv channels will recognise the warning ‘Contains Adult Humour And Reflects The Standards, Language And Attitudes Of Its Time. Some Viewers May Find This Content Offensive’.
This equally can be applied to the stage performance last evening at the Kings Arms as a strong cast held up a mirror to it’s audience of the base qualities of human nature.
This was 90 mins of high energy performance subtely offset with moments of light and shade by a five hander cast all of whom contributed to the same high level.
East is a tricky piece to perfom, especially with it’s constant reference to Shakespearean language and this was all in good and capable hands.
Audience members afterwards commented on how sadly, the issues of phobia and discrimnation are still prevelent in todays world 50 years on.
Cast: David Degiorgio( Les), Andrew Marsden (Mum), Steve Connelly (Dad), Alex Lafferty(Mike) and Lisa Brandreth (sylv)
Drected by Alan Pattison
This not the easiest watch, not for the fain of heart but is also one highlight of this years fringe programme.
Iain Scott for Canal St Media
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