THEATRE REVIEW - Etchings

A witty and original play penned by one of our very own students, James Huntrods

By Rachel Harvey

An artist and a boxer seem unlikely figures to place in a room together, but this is the premise of Etchings – a witty and highly original play written by Leeds student James Huntrods.

The story takes place in the basement studio of reclusive artist Arthur. Contacted by an old university friend, he is commissioned to paint the portrait of her husband, famed boxer Roy Hardson. The unexpected reconnection forces Arthur to delve back into his past, sharply reminding him of the failure to achieve his one goal – capturing

life on canvas. While Roy sits for his portrait, the two characters reminisce. Memories of both the boxing and art world collide, and what becomes apparent in both cases is the transient and uncertain nature of success.

It was fascinating to see how Mine could be transformed several times as the characters move fluidly between past and present. The performances are flawless, showcasing the dark humour and more serious themes of the play perfectly, and giving the believable impression of close intimacy.

One interesting thing about Etchings is its presentation of artistic indulgence, the extremities that conceptual art can go to to shock or ‘change the world’. The play skilfully depicts the art world as self-indulgent and cruel. Arthur realises that recognition can be gained easily in what he considers a base profession, boxing, causing him to question the worth of his own private intellectual journey, which no one cares to watch. Witty, poignant and surprising, Etchings is a joy to see.