Blurred Lines - reviews Nick Payne's new 'feminist' play
Payne's response to Robin Thicke is a witty exploration of sexism but why is a man speaking for women?
What you need to know
Nick Payne's new play about sexism Blurred Lines has opened at The Shed, National Theatre to mixed reviews, as some critics question why a man is speaking for women on feminist issues.
Young British playwright Payne, best known for his hit Constellations, has taken the title of his new work from the controversial number one single by Robin Thicke.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Co-created with director Carrie Cracknell, it features an all-female cast exploring ideas of gender inequality through eight vignettes and songs about contemporary popular culture where anti-feminist messages are rife and pornography is ever-present. Runs until 22 February.
What the critics like
"The writing is witty, the direction elegant, the performances sharply observed, the issues raised of pressing importance, and the play as a whole has great charm," says Jane Shilling in the Daily Telegraph. If Payne and Cracknell wanted this piece to begin a necessary conversation, they've got a success on their hands.
"You can't accuse Nick Payne of being fainthearted" in tackling a play that explores what it means to be a woman, says Aleks Siertz on ArtsDesk. The good news is that it's an experimental work, based on a good idea that also features a wonderful all-woman cast.
Rest assured "this impressionistic 70-minute piece has many moments of pure glee" along with some deeply touching passages, says Libby Purves on Theatre Cat. With eight brave, clever, funny women bringing their own indignations and hilarities to the process, it's another little jewel in the Shed.
What they don't like
It's fun, flashy and funny, but ultimately, Blurred Lines is rather depressing, says Siertz on ArtsDesk. "Not because it delivers the truth of discrimination against women, but because once again here is a man speaking on behalf of women."
Create an account with the same email registered to your subscription to unlock access.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
'Making a police state out of the liberal university'
Instant Opinion Opinion, comment and editorials of the day
By Harold Maass, The Week US Published
-
8 looming climate tipping points that imperil our planet
The Explainer New reports detail the thresholds we may be close to crossing
By Devika Rao, The Week US Published
-
Try 6 free issues of The Week Junior
Spark your child's curiosity with The Week Junior - the award-winning current affairs magazine for 8-14s.
By The Week Published
-
Silversea cruise review: a Central and North American adventure
The Week Recommends An incredible journey featuring cultural exploration, cooking classes, comfort and more
By Yasemen Kaner-White Published
-
The Westbury Hotel review: stunning suites in charming Dublin
The Week Recommends This hotel is the perfect spot to while away a weekend in Ireland's capital
By Kaye O'Doherty Published
-
Drama movies 2024: new films out this year
In Depth Latest reviews include The Boys in the Boat, One Life and Tchaikovsky's Wife
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Best new hotels and places to stay in 2024
The Week Recommends Featuring stylish island resorts, historical properties and wilderness retreats
By The Week UK Last updated
-
Albums of the year: best music of 2023
The Week Recommends A look back at the best pop, rap, jazz, dance, classical and rock releases
By The Week UK Published
-
Savoy Grill by Gordon Ramsay review: an institution reinvented
The Week Recommends Traditions are maintained and the tweaks are clever and modern
By Neil Davey Published
-
Tulum: a Mexican beach town of 'two halves'
The Week Recommends With the 'pueblo' and 'Zona Hotelera', Tulum is home to great hotels, restaurants and beach clubs
By William Leigh Published
-
La Zebra review: beach chic, perfect tacos and secret cenotes
The Week Recommends Enjoy a stylish stay in Mexico at this family-friendly beach hotel and restaurant
By William Leigh Published