Sydney Theatre Company has taken on some ambitious challenges this year, but none may be more demanding than Edward Albee’s three-act extravaganza Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf. Spanning a touch over 3 hours with two intervals, it is a mammoth task for the four actors on stage (and not an insignificant challenge for the audience as well) but it is one of the most complex and rewarding psychological dramas, offering deep insights into the family abode and the ever-increasing convergence of appearance and reality.  

It was perhaps somewhat of a surprise that this production is being held at the Roslyn Packer Theatre, with top billing in the STC season. However, it is richly deserved, with the entire ensemble giving a sublime performance, ably supported by exceptional production. Real-life couple Kat Stewart and David Whiteley play the main couple, Martha and George, adding a metatheatrical dimension to the performance. 

The show begins fairly dramatically, with Martha and George in the middle of an almighty row when a young couple they have invited over to their house knocks on the door. Initially, the young couple seem quite put off by the hosts’ behaviour and try to leave but George insists that they stay which leads to all types of mayhem.

As the production unfolds, the disconnect between appearance and reality becomes more and more apparent, with the discussion of children dominating the evening. Martha initially tells the younger couple about their son, much to George’s annoyance, and from there there is a continued back-and-forth with both simulated and actual violence (within the play of course) on stage. The intensity of the performance on stage is immediately apparent and ultimately quite striking for the audience given the relative simplicity and mundanity of the setting, which is meant to be a very archetypal New England house. 

After the first act ends in quite a violent manner, the pairings shift on stage as the young man speaks to George, revealing that his wife had a “hysterical pregnancy”. The blurring of appearance and reality becomes only more evident as it becomes increasingly difficult to tell what is true and what is not as everyone seems to be playing games with each other. The shocking reveal at the end of the play brings this to a head as the true story becomes clear, culminating in an exhilarating yet deeply upsetting ending.

The acting really sells this production, with all four performers doing an absolutely splendid job of interpreting what is a monstrous text. Whiteley and Stewart, as the stars, are absolutely phenomenal, performing their roles with searing intensity, true gravitas, and volatility. Harvey Zielinski and Emily Goddard are also fantastic in the more dramatic roles of the younger couple, and they play perfect foils to the main duo on stage.  

The set design is both whimsical and constrictive in its own way, adding richly to the dramatic ambience by creating a feeling of unease and claustrophobia. Harriet Oxley does a fantastic job with set and costume design, while Matt Scott’s lighting enhances the drama beautifully. Sound design by Grace Ferguson and Ethan Hunter also contributes to the eerie atmosphere, becoming a focal part of the production in pivotal moments. As always with Sydney Theatre Company, the production quality is extremely high, with everything executed to perfection. 

Ultimately, this is a wondrous performance, with the execution of an incredibly difficult text being sublime, both by the four performers on stage and also by the production team. There’s no doubt that this is a challenging watch for the audience and a challenging piece of theatre in general but it is one that is very rewarding (even if it is on the longer side). This production really shows off the best of STC this season and has enduring relevance in its explorations of family dynamics, domestic violence, grief, loss and disillusionment. For those looking for a really meaty, challenging piece of theatre executed to perfection, this is certainly a production to keep an eye on.

Rating: ★★★★1/2

Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf plays at the Roslyn Packer Theatre until 14th December. For more information, click here. 

All photo credits: Eugene Hyland