KNOTS [Literary Anthology/British] AD/D: Edward Petherbridge; SC: R.D. Laing’s book, Knots; L: Clare Fox; M: Martin Duncan; P: Brooklyn Academy of Music i/a/w Brooklyn College in the Actors Company Production; T: Brooklyn Academy of Music (OB); 1/30/74-2/24/74 (5)
Note: photos are not available for Knots.
Scottish psychiatrist R.D. Laing’s popular book of
linguistic paradoxes, or “knots,” based on psychological tangles in human
relationships (“I am bad. You love me. Therefore you are bad” is a simple
Laingian syllogism) was cleverly transformed by British actor Edward
Petherbridge into a lighthearted, hour-long music hall entertainment. It was offered as
part of a four-show repertory during a month-long stay at BAM by London's Actors Company. The
conundrums were performed by speaking and singing them in duos, trios, and
quartets, and by spoofing the material through performing it while tap dancing,
doing cartwheels, vaudeville bits, juggling hoops and clubs, playing musical
instruments, clowning around, and being generally irreverent.
The conception and fast-paced execution delighted Clive
Barnes, but Walter Kerr thought the “knots” too “elusive” to capture. Edith
Oliver found the staging made the words meaningful, and enjoyed the show as a parody
of avant-garde theatre in general. John Simon, on the other hand, objected to
this “desperately coy and aggressively arch” show for being tiresome and
repetitious.
Cast members included Petherbridge, Ian McKellen, Sheila
Reid, Robert Eddison, and others.
