It is twilight in a city park. Nikolai, slightly worse for drink, tries unsuccessfully to chat up women sitting on the benches. Then, just as he thinks he is getting somewhere with someone rather special, she furiously reminds him that he dumped her a year ago - and his name then was not Nikolai! As his alleged misdemeanours gradually unfold, there is more ducking, diving and deviousness both from the man himself and his jilted, but wily, accuser. The Bench is a clever, funny and at times melancholy drama which shows the desperation and dignity of two lonely people looking for comfort at the end of the day. This is the London premiere for this witty and poignant piece by one of Russia's leading playwrights, whose work has been previously performed in the UK by the RSC and the Royal Court.| 19 Jul 00 to 6 Aug 00 | BAC (Battersea Arts Centre) Inner London, Greater London Performance Details => Venue archive |
