The first scene is essentially a two hander between the emotionally well rounded Carl and one of the most unpleasant depictions of a gay character seen on the stage this year his very angry brother Ambrose played relentlessly by Stephen Wilson. It’s a somewhat stereotype of the angst ridden gay man whose character change in Scene two is not necessarily a logical progression.
The second scene introduces the eldest brother Victor (Nick Devlin) who though thought less of in many ways it’s his maturity and sense that reveals the true essence of the plot and the complex relationships that exist between the three.
Down Dangerous Passes Road is a masterclass in theatrical discipline – its complex line structure demands a lot of the actors and they deliver in admirable style. They are a dysfunctional lot. Their father, at whose deathplace they are gathered, was the town drunk and embarrassment, their mother died harrowingly of cancer. Ambrose felt out of place and rejected as a gay man and finally reveals his first love with shocking ramifications. His current love is also excluding him.
Homophobia, guilt, family secrets all drive this tense but impressive plot. High drama in the forest with a ‘Lost’ quality about the script that keeps you guessing and engaged until the end. Well cast and very well played by Burke, Devlin and Wilson is an ensemble confident and in rhythm with each other. Very fine playing, with an effective set, in a very fine production from Crooked House.