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Bed,
a One Year Lease Production, by playwright Brendan Cowell,
and directed by Ianthe Demos introduces us to Phil, a young,
talented, sexual siren, who is seductive to a fault. The
play unfolds on a bed, which serves as a carousel of sexual
appetite and unhinging emotion, as Phil’s entourage
of familiar sexual partners range from servicing an older
woman, a naïve gay male, a neurotic female artist dependent
on Phil, a male masochist, to his own wife, who has long
lost interest in intimacy. This roundelay continues as Phil
becomes lost in his self-imposed maelstrom of deceit, and
ultimately seeks escape. Nick Flint as Phil is excellent
in a role which calls for manipulation masked as affection,
and his slick body language mirrors his sociopathic intent.
The ensemble form a distinct, yet multi-faceted web of need
and desire, feeding off their own insecurities. This exceptional
chamber piece, superbly written with concise, stark dialogue,
and keen insight into the darker side of man, keeps the
audience wholly involved and never wanting to crawl under
the covers.
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