Leaves of Glass

Steven is being accused of things by his family, despite his hard work and dedication to them. His wife accuses him of being unfaithful, his mother accuses him of being coercive, and his brother, Barry, accuses him of something but won't say what it is.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 112 pages
Publication date: 10 May 2023
Publisher: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC

In the intricate tapestry of the family, a web of beliefs and narratives weaves its intricate pattern. Each individual clings tenaciously to their own perspective, shaping their understanding of the world. Within this dynamic, Steven, a man driven by a sincere desire to be good, toils tirelessly, caring for his loved ones. Yet, as if caught in a sudden storm, accusations rain down upon him. His wife casts doubt on his fidelity, his mother accuses him of coercion, and his brother, Barry, remains silent, his lips sealed tight. The weight of these allegations hangs heavy in the air, casting a shadow of suspicion over Steven's character. It is as if a veil of doubt has been draped over him, obscuring his innocence. Yet, amidst the confusion, a nagging question lingers: What exactly is Barry accusing Steven of? The answer remains shrouded in mystery, a tantalizing puzzle that refuses to yield its secrets. Barry, for his part, seems to be holding onto something, something that he dare not reveal. His silence speaks volumes, a testament to the depth of his conviction or the fear that grips him. Perhaps, he knows too much, or perhaps he is holding onto a false belief. The truth, like a delicate flower, evades our grasp, leaving us to wonder and speculate. In this captivating drama, Philip Ridley delves into the depths of human nature, exploring the complexities of memory, manipulation, and power. His masterful storytelling weaves a tapestry of emotions, leaving audiences both perplexed and captivated. The production, brought to life by long-time collaborators, Lidless Theatre, showcases the power of theatre to transport us to new realms of understanding and empathy. As we witness Steven's journey through the maze of accusations, we are invited to question the nature of truth and the lengths we would go to protect our own beliefs. "That's the way it works in this family. Believe what you want to believe. Twist this. Ignore the other. That's how we survive." These words, spoken by Steven's mother, encapsulate the family's unyielding belief system. It is a survival mechanism, a way of coping with the uncertainties of life. But at what cost? As we delve deeper into the story, we begin to see the toll that this belief system takes on Steven and his loved ones. The accusations, whether true or false, erode his sense of self-worth, leaving him questioning his own actions and motives. His wife, torn between her love for Steven and her doubts, becomes a victim of the family's web of lies and secrets. Barry, too, is caught in the crosshairs, his silence a testament to the depth of his involvement or the fear that drives him. The family, like a fragile ecosystem, is teetering on the edge of collapse. The weight of their secrets and lies threatens to consume them all, leaving nothing but broken hearts and shattered dreams in their wake. In the face of this adversity, Steven remains resolute. He refuses to be defined by the accusations hurled at him. He fights to hold onto his sense of self, to prove his innocence and to find the truth behind the shadows. His determination is a beacon of hope, a reminder that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of light that can guide us toward redemption. As the story unfolds, we witness the unraveling of the family's web of lies and secrets. The truth emerges like a phoenix from the ashes, revealing the depth of their manipulation and the extent of their cruelty. The family, once united in their belief system, is shattered into fragments, their bonds weakened by the weight of their deceit. In the final moments of the play, Steven confronts his brother, Barry, in a climactic showdown. The tension is palpable, as the two men square off, their words cutting like knives. Barry, unable to bear the weight of his secrets any longer, confesses the truth. He reveals that he has been manipulating Steven, using him as a pawn in his own game of power. The revelation shakes Steven to his core, but he refuses to be defeated. He stands tall, his voice strong, as he confronts his brother and exposes his lies. The audience is left breathless as the play comes to a close, unsure of what will happen next. But one thing is certain: the family's legacy of manipulation and power has been shattered, and a new era of healing and redemption begins. In the aftermath of the play, the audience is left with a profound sense of empathy and understanding. We see the human capacity for both good and evil, the power of belief systems to shape our lives, and the importance of seeking truth and justice. Philip Ridley's "That's the Way It Works in This Family" is a masterpiece of theatre, a testament to the power of storytelling and the resilience of the human spirit. It reminds us that even in the darkest of times, there is always a glimmer of hope, a chance for redemption.

Weight: 134g
Dimension: 197 x 130 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781350421820