Anthony Neilson’s play caused quite a stir when it was first seen in London at the Finborough in 1997 before transferring to the Royal Court. It was seen by some (but not me) as controversial in its day. It should remain stiletto-sharp and pertinent in its examination of an encounter between a female pornographer & film maker – and the male censor who can stop her work being seen. The play sets up its arguments brilliantly but what’s even more remarkable about it is the way it is also tender and beautiful as it imagines a world without guilt and shame. If female-led company RoundPeg do this play justice it should once again be a hit.
Art. Porn. What’s the difference? A female pornographer comes face to face with a censor – the man whose job it is to determine whether her work can see the light of day. She needs to convince him to see beyond the graphic images if it’s ever going to stand a chance of being released. But the war she’s fighting is about far more than just one film. She dreams of a day when films like hers can be shown in every multiplex in the land, to every man, woman and child. When that day comes, there’ll be no more repression, no more witch-hunts. It’ll be a world absolutely without guilt or shame. Previously described as “shocking”, “addictive” and “disturbing”, this is a tender exploration into sex, pleasure and taboo.