Michael Neri’s debut play opens at the Union Theatre in the midst of Pride Month, carrying on the venue’s focus on queer-related pieces. Guillermo Nazara shares his views on the show, to let us know if in this humidity-rising story his rating barometer actually goes low.
Ah, I remember the first time I went to the sauna. I was so nervous to be there, but I ended up having so much fun. Sure, it took a bit of time to start coming in therms – I mean, to terms! (you know what also rhymes with that?)… But I must say, that after a couple (well… maybe more than that…) of initial hardships, I left the place being absolutely… indicktus.
Love is the air (and probably, some other particles are too…) in Michael Neri’s play Wet Feet, exploring the unexpected romance of two young men bumping (in every sense of the word) into each other in a fictionalised version of Sweatbox. Wait, no, good towels – Pleasuredrome then. And I just know this because of my insatiable thirst for journalistic research – guess which segment of that phrase is accurate….
Bred with substance without resulting too thick, the show takes us through a journey of acceptance and self-discovery, as both characters push forward to deepen their bond (*slurp*) – starting a relationship founded on the honesty and trust they never managed to develop, let alone being offered, before in their lives.
Devised as a comedy, though dealing with several major themes concerning the gay community (the absence of a supportive family, the ongoing abuse we face as we grow up, too many times -because one is already enough- justified by society’s confusing, and usually contradictory, moral code, etc.), the piece makes a serious effort at building a connection with its audience. And to some extent, it succeeds in it. But perhaps the high temperature of the room makes the accomplishment feel a bit too vaporous at some points.
Though, all in all, enjoyable, the script still struggles to run its course smooth (and only experience can tell how important it is, for things not to get messy, to go through a smooth conduct. What?! I’ve shaved it – I mean, paved it… the way… to the punchline… I’ll just carry on… Despite presenting a well-defined path as for the character’s goals, the structure, however, fails to provide us with the same effect – scattering the dramatic elements all over without sufficient aim or pattern; thus, not allowing the personages’ quest to fully unravel, and instead giving us hints of ideas that are enticed to hear of, but never invited to dive into.
On the other hand, albeit there’s quite a few amusing situations, the dialogue still doesn’t feature enough flow (yeah, I know what you’re waiting for… I guess the convent taught you exactly what you wanted…), with some excerpts sometimes sounding a bit unnatural and, more frequently, too rushed – cutting down its pacing and thus preventing it from achieving genuineness and, on some bits, true meaning.
In any case, the production relies on a captivating two-handed cast on top of it all (I guess, sword fight, then?). Oozing intoxicating chemistry through their rather intimate, heartfelt performances, both Matthew Edgar and Michael Neri form a strong, compelling and interpenetrated (no pun intended) duo onstage – feeding from each other’s refreshing rapport in what, ultimately, is the most refined component of the whole montage.
Bending over a few subjects (they like it rough) yet not completely savouring their full content, the play makes an admirable effort at putting laughs and tears together through a soulfuland occasionally insightful recount – but it still needs to find the right glue (or something more Swiss and naval) to let all of its parts come into place. It’s, nonetheless, worth a try, and if looking for an easy watch (despite some grave topics), there’s no need for those wet feet to all of a sudden get cold. But as you’ve probably learned over the years, the full experience can only be reached with proper dilatation.
All pictures credit to Matthew Coulton.
Wet Feet plays at London’s Union Theatre until 29 June. Tickets are available on the following link.
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