National Theatre Live: Prima Facie is the acclaimed British production of Australian playwright Suzie Miller’s one-woman play. Source: Australian Catholics.
There have been many admirable one-actor performances where audiences marvel that one performer could convey so much drama, so many characters and bring to life a play with such skill.
Jodie Comer’s performance as Tessa, a British lawyer, has to be one of the best.
At the beginning of Prima Facie, Comer is full of energy and assurance. She speaks quickly and is on the move around the stage, moving furniture, changing clothes.
She tells a vivid narrative using voices and intonations to indicate a variety of characters and their interactions. It is a tour-de-force, with an emphasis on the force.
In the second half, Tessa’s vivid spark turns down somewhat. She is the victim of a sexual assault by a colleague and makes the decision to bring the case to court. Tessa invites the audience to share her experiences as she confides in them.
The accused’s defence uses some of the tough tactics Tessa displayed in the first half of the play.
In many ways, Prima Facie is an exhausting experience for the audience – who is in vast admiration for the versatile, exhausting performance by Jodie Comer.
It is also a welcome addition to screen versions of performances from the British National Theatre, where worldwide audiences have an opportunity to experience something of the world of international theatre.
National Theatre Live: Prima Facie: Starring Jodie Comer. Directed by Justin Martin. 120 minutes, Unrated.
Review by Fr Peter Malone MSC
FULL REVIEW
Prima Facie (Australian Catholics)
