PIG

Blair Williams and Paul Dunn in PIG. Photo by Jeremy Mimnagh.

Love is a battlefield (literally) in PIG, UK writer Tim Luscombe's disturbing play about the dark side of contemporary sexuality, now playing at Buddies in Bad Times theatre in a world premiere production directed by Brendan Healy.

Shocking, visceral and brutally honest, the story follows three sadomasochistic gay couples as they stretch the boundaries of their relationships in search of deeper levels of physical and emotional intimacy. Set against a gritty London backdrop, the three-hander features an exceptional cast: Paul Dunn in the role of three masochist characters (Luc, Joe and Pig), Blair Williams in the role of three sadists (Taylor, Stevie and Knife), and the masterful Bruce Dow as three very different supporting characters (a perverted voyeur named Larry; Harry, Joe's flamboyant ex-lover and friend who decries the modern, mainstream homosexual lifestyle; and Barry, a disabled man who pays Pig for sex).

Luscombe’s twisted script blurs the lines between fact and fiction, so much that the characters’ circumstances begin to overlap and it becomes hard to tell them apart as they navigate the realities of addiction, prostitution, domestic abuse and unspeakable acts of violence. The minimalist set and moody lighting keep the focus on the performers throughout, a wise choice given the complex staging and intimate nature of the storytelling. However, by the middle of the second half the repetitive language becomes somewhat tired.

A horrifying yet fascinating portrayal of a little-known subculture, PIG is certainly not for the close-minded. This is theatre for risk-takers, and in the hands of Healy’s cast and creative team, it works.

PIG runs until October 6 at Buddies in Bad Times Theatre. Visit buddiesinbadtimes.com for more information.