August 29th 2024.
According to Ellie Forbes, Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder deliver an outstanding performance in David Ireland's latest production which manages to strike a balance between sincere moments and comedic relief. With a rating of four stars, this play is definitely worth watching.
As with Ireland's previous works, The Fifth Step tackles complex societal issues through the use of dark humor. Right from the beginning, the audience is thrown into the world of Luka, a lonely and unemployed alcoholic who admits to masturbating twenty times a day. He is a lost soul searching for his place in the world, and we witness his journey unfold on stage.
James, a veteran member of Alcoholics Anonymous, becomes Luka's sponsor and initially appears as a father figure to the troubled young man. The two have a natural chemistry on stage, with James' calm demeanor contrasting with Luka's nervous energy. However, things take a turn when Luka has a spiritual awakening after meeting Jesus (or possibly Willem Dafoe) at the gym. He turns to Christianity and experiences a newfound sense of energy and purpose, portrayed brilliantly by Lowden.
But James becomes resentful and judgmental of Luka's newfound faith, and the role of God in the AA program is heavily scrutinized throughout the play. The title of the play, The Fifth Step, refers to a crucial step in the AA program where one must confess their struggles and shame to someone else and to God. This is a recurring theme in Ireland's work, and it hits close to home for the writer who struggled with alcoholism in his youth and has recently turned to Christianity.
As the play progresses, the power dynamic between Luka and James shifts, and their relationship begins to disintegrate, mirrored by the deteriorating set designed by Milla Clarke. The tension between them builds up to a climactic confrontation, with echoes of James' earlier words about becoming the father figure one needs.
Ireland's writing is both sincere and funny, with generous doses of humor sprinkled throughout the play. He also delves into themes of faith, masculinity, and sexuality, often leaving the audience with more questions than answers. However, this only adds to the thought-provoking nature of the play, leaving a lasting impact on the spectators.
Overall, The Fifth Step is a must-see production, showcasing the talents of Jack Lowden and Sean Gilder, and addressing important societal issues with a perfect blend of humor and sincerity. Catch it at the Pavilion Theatre in Glasgow from 28-31 August. For more cultural stories, be sure to subscribe to Scottish Field and stay updated with the latest issue.
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