The Enduring Relevance of Rattigan’s Man adn boy: A Father-Son Drama for Our Times
Terence Rattigan’s Man and boy, currently captivating audiences at the National Theater, is far more than a period piece. It’s a deeply resonant exploration of ambition, morality, and the complex bonds between fathers and sons – themes that continue to grip us today. Understanding the play’s power requires understanding Rattigan himself, and the profound influence of his own life.
A Life Reflected in His Work
rattigan’s personal history is crucial to interpreting his plays.Biographies by Michael Darlow and Geoffrey Wansell reveal the significant impact of his relationship with his father, Frank. A diplomat forced to resign after a scandalous affair, Frank was a man of pretense and hidden emotions.
Rattigan, seemingly his father’s opposite, inherited a similar talent for masking true feelings. He then skillfully channeled this understanding – and the complexities of his relationship with Frank – into his dramatic work.
Exploring Familial Dynamics Through Drama
You’ll find echoes of Frank throughout Rattigan’s oeuvre. consider these examples:
* Adventure Story: The hero’s drive and brilliance were, according to Rattigan, ”inspired by love of his father.”
* Who Is Sylvia?: The philandering protagonist is a thinly veiled portrait of Frank himself.
* Man and Boy: This play centers entirely on a fraught father-son dynamic, fueled by social and political tensions.
Rattigan wasn’t simply recounting personal history; he was dissecting the universal struggles of familial connection and the weight of parental legacy.
Subtext and Societal Taboos: Rattigan’s Discreet Exploration of Homosexuality
Beyond the father-son dynamic, Rattigan consistently, and often subtly, addressed the topic of homosexuality. He did so with remarkable discretion, especially considering the era.
* The Browning Version: david Hare persuasively argued that the schoolmaster, Crocker-Harris, expertly manipulates the husbands of his wife’s lovers.
* Separate Tables: The “cottaging” metaphor within Table Number Seven – a story of a man accused of sexual impropriety – was remarkably progressive for 1954, anticipating the shift in public opinion that would eventually lead to the Wolfenden report.
* Alexander the Great: A subtly implied gay relationship with his confidant, Hephaestion, adds another layer of complexity.
Rattigan’s willingness to touch upon these taboo subjects, even indirectly, demonstrates a keen awareness of societal undercurrents and a bravery that resonates today.
Why man and Boy Still Matters: Echoes of Modern Scandals
But does this historical context matter to you, the modern audience? Absolutely. Man and Boy feels startlingly relevant, prompting unavoidable comparisons to recent high-profile scandals.
Think of Robert Maxwell,the media mogul whose financial misdeeds and mysterious death captivated the world. Or consider the involvement of his daughter, Ghislaine Maxwell, in the jeffrey Epstein case.
While Gregor Antonescu, the protagonist of Man and Boy, isn’t as overtly villainous, he shares a similar ruthlessness and ambition. Like Lambert Le Roux in Hare and Brenton’s Pravda, he’s a compelling figure precisely as of his flaws.
The allure of the “Monster”
Rattigan understood a fundamental truth about drama: we are fascinated by flawed characters, even those we condemn. As William Blake observed, “energy is eternal delight.” It’s the dynamism, the drive, the sheer force of personality – even when misdirected – that holds our attention.
Man and Boy doesn’t offer easy answers or moral judgments. It presents a complex portrait of a man driven by ambition, and a son grappling with the consequences of his father’s actions.
Experience Man and Boy for Yourself
If you’re looking for a thought-provoking and emotionally resonant theatrical experience, Man and Boy is a must-see. It’s a testament to Rattigan’s enduring genius and a powerful reminder that the themes of family, ambition, and morality are timeless.
Details:
* Play: Man and Boy
* venue: National Theatre, London
* Dates: 30 January
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