“Closer”: A Deep Dive into Love, Desire, and Human Nature on the Beijing Stage
On January 11th, the play “Closer,” produced by Zhenrong Drama, premiered at the National Theatre of China’s Pioneer Theatre. This compelling work delves into the intricate themes of emotion, desire, love, and human nature. Through fragmented narratives, conflicting parallel universes, and entangled relationships, all set against a striking “red checkerboard” stage, the play invites the audience to confront the complexities of love and desire alongside the four characters caught in its web.
From Stage to Screen and Back Again
Patrick Marber’s “Closer” is undeniably a sharp and unflinching exploration of male-female relationships, a fact underscored by the numerous prestigious awards it has garnered since its debut. In 2004, the renowned director Mike Nichols was captivated by the play and collaborated with Marber to adapt it into a film featuring a stellar cast, achieving widespread acclaim. Now, in 2024, director Han Jie of the National Theatre of China, in collaboration with the esteemed translator Hu Kaiqi, has brought “Closer” to the Beijing stage, featuring a talented cast of four actors: Shi Yueling, Zhang Shu, Zhang Weixun, and Piao Junming.
Unveiling the Uncontrollable
While “Closer” may initially appear to be a love story, revolving around the intertwined relationships of four individuals, it simultaneously exposes the uncontrollable desires that lie beneath the surface of love. As audience members, many will find their hearts racing at the familiar scenarios and boldly honest dialogue, while others may experience a sense of unease. This is because the play is an alluring exploration into the depths of the human psyche. One audience member, Xiaofan, commented, “Like the four chambers of the heart, interwoven to create the trembling signals of life. Many scenes hit home, like a dermatologist’s scalpel, excising the texture of memory and suturing the scars into localized language.”
The Essence of Serious Drama
Director Han Jie explains, “No matter how much we elevate love to a spiritual and soulful height in our consciousness, we cannot escape our heavy physical bodies. Serious drama offers a different perspective from popular culture. It pursues depth, questioning the essence and meaning of things. This is the significance of drama, and the value of theatre art is reflected here.”