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juniper Blood at the Donmar Warehouse: Bartlett’s Climate Clash Divides and Disappoints
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A new play from Mike Bartlett, author of Cock, tackles the complexities of climate change, but struggles to fully realize its potential, earning a three-star rating.
The Donmar Warehouse is currently hosting Juniper Blood, the latest work from playwright Mike Bartlett. Known for provocative pieces like cock, which captivated audiences in 2023 with its exploration of sexuality and high ticket prices-seats reportedly exceeding £400-Bartlett now turns his attention to the increasingly urgent issue of climate change. While Juniper Blood attempts to dissect the opposing viewpoints on how to address global warming, the production ultimately feels somewhat didactic and uneven, despite moments of genuine insight.
A Stage Set for Disagreement
the play, which runs until October 4th, promptly establishes a visually striking surroundings. The stage is dominated by a grassy mound, evoking a sense of both natural beauty and encroaching wilderness. This setting, reminiscent of Jez Butterworth’s Jerusalem, presents a distinctly British atmosphere, together charming and stifling. The stark lighting,echoing samuel Beckett’s Happy Days,intensifies the feeling of exposure,as a luminous,unwavering light represents the relentless sun.
the narrative centers around Ruth, who finds herself at her husband Lip’s farm when her stepdaughter, Femi, and best friend, Milly, arrive. What begins as a casual gathering quickly devolves into a spirited debate about the most ethical ways to live. The characters spar over the merits of organic farming versus the use of moderate pesticides,highlighting the nuanced challenges of sustainable living.
Nuance and Frustration in Bartlett’s Latest Work
Bartlett’s writing, as one reviewer noted, retains its characteristic wit. However,the script often feels overly preachy,with dialog that explicitly lays out arguments rather than allowing them to emerge organically. The discussion of technological solutions to climate problems and the tension between idealism and pragmatism, while critically important, begin to feel repetitive and “on-the-nose.”
A central weakness of the play lies in the characterization of Lip, the staunch environmentalist. While Sam troughton delivers a commendable performance, the character lacks sufficient depth. He is portrayed as vehemently opposed to any lifestyle that doesn’t embrace complete self-sufficiency, a position that strains his marriage and relationship with his daughter. According to one source, the lack of exploration into Lip’s motivations renders him more of a caricature than a compelling moral figure. “You just can’t get a feel on who this guy is,” a critic observed.
In contrast,Jonathan Slinger’s portrayal of Tony,a neighbor seeking a renewed sense of purpose through fitness,offers a more nuanced and relatable perspective. his storyline, exploring themes of hope and resilience in the face of adversity, provides a welcome counterpoint to the play’s more heavy-handed arguments.
A Late Surge, But a contrived Plot
Directed by James Macdonald, who previously collaborated with Bartlett
