Writer: Kata Wéber
Directer: Kornél Mundruczó
Pieces of a Woman, written and directed by the dynamic duo Kata Wéber and Kornél Mundruczó, who also crafted the English-language Netflix adaptation of the same name, begins with a striking and unforgettable scene. The video of Maja and Lars’ baby’s birth is projected onto the exterior of their studio flat, immediately drawing the audience into an intensely intimate moment. This dramatic opening seamlessly transitions into a classic dinner table family saga, fracturing the initial traumatic event into tiny shards that persist throughout decades of family politics.
Mundruczó masterfully straddles both stage and screen, using projection to create a sense of proximity to the action while maintaining complete control over the audience’s perspective. The tension is palpable throughout. The performances by Justyna Wasilewska and Dobromir Dymecki, portraying the expectant parents Maja and Lars, are electric, exuding a naturalism and nuance that keeps us immediately and consistently invested in them, despite their flaws. Wasilewska, in particular, captivates with a relentless intensity over the 2 hours and 15 minutes, demonstrating an exceptional talent that demands attention on any stage. Her portrayal is heartbreakingly authentic.
The second, longer half of the production, set in Maja’s mother’s house adorned with red-eyed taxidermy, unfolds with Chekhovian breadth and depth. The setting itself becomes a character, its eerie ambience amplifying the underlying tensions and unresolved conflicts within the family. Here, Maja’s sister, brother-in-law, cousin, and mother come into play, delivering performances that are both classic and surprising. The six actors create a sense of alarming familiarity, drawing the audience into their dysfunctional family dynamics with pitch-perfect performances. The interactions are meticulously crafted, with each character’s complexities and motivations slowly unravelling as the story progresses, revealing the deeply rooted issues that have festered over the years.
Pieces of a Woman is deeply cinematic, with Asher Goldschmidt’s rumbling underscore guiding the audience through the emotional undertones built up by generations of family politics. The production is a masterclass in control, with each element contributing to a gut-wrenching narrative that reverberates from one pivotal event. Every aspect, from the lighting to the set design, works in harmony to create an immersive experience that stays with the audience long after the final curtain falls.
Pieces of a Woman stands as a testament to the power of storytelling and the seamless blending of stage and cinematic techniques. It is a perfect production, making it all the more unfortunate that it doesn’t have a longer run. The meticulous attention to detail, combined with outstanding performances and innovative direction, results in a piece that is as emotionally compelling as it is visually stunning.
Runs until 23 May 2024