Visit, or The Old Lady Comes to Call

Claire Zachanassian, a wealthy woman, returns to her hometown in Slurry, New York, after the post-war recession. The locals hope her arrival will bring prosperity, but they soon realize that it will come at a terrible price. Tony Kushner's adaptation of Friedrich Dürrenmatt's revenge play, "The Visit," opened in the Olivier auditorium of the National Theatre in London in February 2020, starring Lesley Manville and Hugo Weaving.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 136 pages
Publication date: 20 February 2020
Publisher: Nick Hern Books

In the town of Slurry, New York, the post-war recession has taken a toll. Claire Zachanassian, an improbably beautiful and impenetrably terrifying woman, returns to her hometown as the world's richest woman. The locals hold onto the hope that her arrival will bring about a change in their fortunes, but they soon come to realize that prosperity will come at a terrible price.

Friedrich Dürrenmatt's visionary revenge play, one of the great achievements of modern German-language theatre, has been brought to life in a remarkable adaptation by acclaimed playwright Tony Kushner. This captivating new version of "The Visit" premiered in the Olivier auditorium of the National Theatre in London in February 2020, directed by Jeremy Herrin, and featuring the talented Lesley Manville and Hugo Weaving in lead roles.

The play revolves around the unexpected arrival of Claire's estranged niece, Anna, who comes to visit her elderly aunt after years of being absent. Anna's visit is initially met with curiosity and excitement by the townspeople, who are eager to reconnect with her. However, as the days pass, they begin to realize that Anna has a dark and mysterious past, and her presence in Slurry brings with it a sense of impending doom.

As the play unfolds, the townspeople are subjected to a series of unsettling events that hint at Anna's true intentions. They are manipulated, lied to, and even threatened by her, as she attempts to exact her revenge on those who have wronged her in the past. The tension mounts as the townspeople try to figure out how to protect themselves from Anna's wrath, while also trying to understand the motives behind her actions.

One of the key themes of "The Visit" is the nature of forgiveness and redemption. As the townspeople come to understand the depth of Anna's pain and the circumstances that led her to become the person she is, they are forced to confront their own prejudices and biases. They are challenged to see beyond the surface and to recognize the humanity in those who have hurt them.

The performances in "The Visit" are nothing short of extraordinary. Lesley Manville delivers a nuanced and powerful portrayal of Claire Zachanassian, a woman who is both complex and vulnerable. Hugo Weaving, as Anna, is equally impressive, capturing the essence of a woman who is both terrifying and sympathetic. The two actors have a remarkable chemistry, and their performances bring the characters to life in a way that is both captivating and deeply moving.

The production design of "The Visit" is also noteworthy, with a stark and minimalist set that creates a sense of foreboding and tension. The use of lighting and sound effects is masterful, adding to the sense of unease and discomfort that pervades the play.

Overall, "The Visit" is a powerful and thought-provoking play that offers a unique perspective on the nature of revenge and the complexities of human relationships. It is a testament to the enduring power of theatre to explore the darkest corners of the human psyche and to challenge our assumptions about what it means to be good and bad.

Weight: 150g
Dimension: 215 x 135 x 11 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781848429598