A Mirror at the Almeida
I hold two concurrent but conflicting views about this play at the Almeida; firstly that it is a bit too clever for its own good with its Russian doll structure, secondly that it’s an enjoyable winding exploration of the nature of repression, propaganda, truth, art, and the role of the writer and theatre. Overriding it all though are the great performances from the main cast, which are worth seeing whatever you think of the actual play. The audience are greeted with what appears to be an immersive performance of a state sanctioned wedding, complete with orders of service on every seat, and a drinks and canapés table to the side. Čelik (Jonny Lee Miller) as master of ceremonies opens the wedding between Adem (Micheal Ward) and Mei (Tanya Reynolds). However as soon as the state official leaves, the wedding halts and it is clear we are attending an underground performance of a play in a repressive state. This play within a play shows the writer Ade...