This powerful production at the Young Vic features a minimalist stage area, like a giant shower tray, with no props apart from a chair used for a trial of strength between the two opposing forces. Eddie, an old-style Italian docker has a somewhat blurred boundary in his relationship with the late-teen niece, Catherine, who lives with him and his long-suffering and neglected wife. Two illegal immigrants arrive and stay with Eddie, one of whom starts an affair with Catherine. Eddie takes exception to him and rationalises his antipathy by declaring that all he wants is marriage and a green card. Eddie also sees him as effeminate and one is left wondering whether Eddie himself becomes aware of an attraction that he would consciously find impossible.
Matters progress on a predictable tragic path with Eddie eventually denouncing the two illegals, which results in the expected bllodbath - in this case literally as they battle it out with the stage turning red.
The play is apparently autobiographical in that Miller was working through his awareneess of his father's adoration of his sister. Clearly it is interesting in articulating the tussle that can go on in the father-daughter relationship, especially issues of letting go. However, it seems to be a play lacking twists - it follows the path that was obvious at the outset.
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