Theatre Review 4:48 Psychosis – Sarah Kane A production by Questors, Ealing’s Theatre

On Wednesday night of the 28th of January, my friends and I attended a production at Questors Threatre in Ealing, a production of which subsequently was the unparalleled and insightful play, 4:48 Psychosis by Sarah Kane.

Never in my life have I seen anything quite like it.

This particular director enlisted five women of different ages to reflect the voices of the play, despite there being no characters or even stage directions within the masterpiece itself. I witnessed extraordinary talent from the actors who performed in a small stage featuring nothing more than a clinical bed and small props such as roses and lined paper. But more importantly, I was shown a perceptive insight into the turbulent mind of Sarah Kane’s severe depression. It was during the writing of this play, that Kane decided she would commit suicide, and this play very much mirrors the actions of Kane’s suicide, and therefore – I feel – the play probably mirrored much of what she felt. It was a powerful and touching experience to witness the self-destruction of Sarah Kane through acting. The performers spoke of having to mentally prepare themselves before rehearsal and live shows, the director said intervals would disrupt the immersion and he also claimed the play was not written as a suicide note, and that if it were, it would reduce the artistic value. Although the director has a point, I believe the play was unambiguously written as a form of escaping from the relentless depression Kane endured. It is in times like this where writing is a much easier and beneficial escape than any prescribed drug. The play ends with a suicide by hanging, the same suicide Kane chose. And the significance of ‘4:48’ am, is said to be the time of which Kane would awake in her depressed state. I was overwhelmed beyond words at the dedication the actors put in, tears rolled down their faces through sheer intimacy with the meaning of the play, and every voice spoke with passion.

This play was undoubtedly a journey and unique perspective through the mind of the depressed, and beyond saving, Sarah Kane. It was a performance of what it is like to experience what Sarah Kane suffered, the haunting of depression and scheduling of suicide. It almost came as a surprise that the performance ended with suicide, even if it were inevitable. Once the suicide was fulfilled, we witnessed a video projection of a relieved and free expression. It made me feel guilty for sharing the same relief.

Ultimately, I would highly recommend the Sarah Kane performance, 4:48 Psychosis, at Questors Theatre, Ealing.

James Moir – Richmond Upon Thames College