REVIEW: F***ing Men by Joe DiPietro at Waterloo East until 26 May

"a daisy-chain of erotic encounters: sharp, funny and absorbing." ★★★★

Originally written in 2008, F***ing Men by Tony award winner, Joe DiPietro, a play about the world of queer male hook-ups and relationships, has been updated for this current production with a limited six week run at Waterloo East Theatre. With bang on references to dating apps, the Cloud, a plethora of pronouns and ever-evolving labels, this fast-paced, entertaining and absorbing one act play infuses the universal themes of connection and the push/pull tensions of monogamy and sexual freedom, with new relevance.

Inspired by Arthur Schnitzel’s La Ronde, written in 1897 but not performed until 1920 due to its scandalous content, the format involves a series of interlocking two-handers; a daisy chain of erotic encounters that finishes with the person who kicks off the sequence. It’s a format that works particularly well with the subject matter, allowing audiences to focus wholly on each of the characters across the social and sexual spectrum. All are at different states of ease with their queerness: some are fully closeted, some easing their way out while others cutting a swathe across the scene, brandishing their desire like a loaded gun.

While the script is sharp and witty, the staging is simple and effective; a plexi- glass screen separates private and public lives both physically and narratively. Back lit, the screen becomes a soft-focus sauna, a nocturnal night club, or shadowy corner. Front of stage, the action becomes a more intimate space; bedrooms into which we are invited to hear frank or (not so frank) discussions. There’s lots of physical cruising, coupling and climaxing in this “dark emptiness of…urban existence”. but what stays with you is the craving, caring and connecting.

While there are thrusting buttocks and toned pecs a plenty, what is most exposed is the vulnerability from the men whose hearts are revealed alongside their bodies. Four performers all multi-role slipping in and out of different characters and accents. There’s the brattish college boy seducing his tutor, the military man in denial, the successful but closeted action hero who might be blackmailed and the porn star with a romantic soul. The performances are all excellent with not a single cut-out between them. It’s the sex workers; rent boys and escorts who present the greatest sensitivity and depth, challenging audiences to look beyond stereotypes, biases and prejudices to this parade of human souls united by their desire to not be alone. This is a gem of a play and shouldn’t be missed.

Photography credit - Michaela Walshe

F***ing Men by Joe DiPietro at Waterloo East

16 April - 26 May

Box Office https://waterlooeast.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873639019

Presented by Adam Roebuck

18+

Cast: 

   Joe Bishop      Rory Connolly      Jason Eddy      David Michaels

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Creative team: 

Director Steve Kunis

Set and Costume Designer Cara Evans

Lighting Designer Alex Lewer

Sound Design Julian Starr

Movement & Intimacy Director Lee Crowley

Production Manager Carrie Croft

Casting Director Anne Vosser 

Reviewed by Nilgin Yusuf