As the audience made its way into the half empty theatre of the French Institute in Cairo, a sea of face masks waiting to re-immerse themselves into the wonderful world of theatre, excitement and anticipation filled the air. Knowing that the experience would be slightly different than what one was used to pre-covid19, theatre-goers seemed excited to be back in the familiar atmosphere of live theatre. As all necessary precautionary measures were taken – including getting temperatures checked on door, adequate spacing and social distancing between seats, and face masks being worn at all times – it suddenly seemed as though we were being greeted by the new ‘theatre-watching’ normal. As soon as the lights went out however, and the show was about to begin, all matters of the new normal seemed to have vanished and there was nothing but the stage we had all missed so much. On the stage was a simple painted backdrop of a grim, somewhat empty bedroom, accompanied by a nightstand with a phone atop of it, a chair and a tripod and camera. Our main character, John (played by French actor Damien Gabriac), makes…
Review of ‘John’: A Powerful Play that Shines Light on the Complexities of Suicide
October 29, 2020
