“The Motive and the Cue,” a play by Jack Thorne, offers a fascinating glimpse into the tumultuous 1964 Broadway production of Hamlet starring Richard Burton and directed by Sir John Gielgud. This behind-the-scenes drama delves into the egos, rivalries, and creative clashes that unfolded during the rehearsals, providing a captivating portrait of theatrical ambition and the complexities of artistic collaboration.   

A Play Within a Play:

The play masterfully interweaves the on-stage drama of Hamlet with the off-stage drama unfolding between Burton and Gielgud. Burton, a charismatic but volatile actor, clashes with Gielgud, the esteemed director, over artistic interpretations and personal egos. Their conflict, fueled by alcohol, ambition, and the pressure of critical acclaim, creates a volatile and unpredictable atmosphere.   

Key Themes:

The Nature of Creativity: “The Motive and the Cue” explores the creative process, examining the interplay between artistic vision, ego, and collaboration. It delves into the challenges of balancing individual artistic expression with the demands of a collaborative endeavor.   

The Power Dynamics of Theatre: The play highlights the power dynamics within the theatre world, particularly the complex relationship between actors and directors. It explores the struggle for control, the pursuit of artistic integrity, and the impact of ego on the creative process.

The Human Condition: Beyond the theatrical drama, the play delves into universal themes of ambition, rivalry, love, and loss. It explores the complexities of human relationships and the enduring power of human emotion.

Critical Reception:

“The Motive and the Cue” has received generally positive reviews from critics.   

Praise for the Performances: Critics have praised the performances of the actors, particularly those portraying Richard Burton and Sir John Gielgud.

Engaging Dialogue: The witty and insightful dialogue, reminiscent of the plays of Noël Coward, has been widely praised.   

A Fascinating Glimpse into Theatre History: Many critics have lauded the play for providing a fascinating glimpse into the inner workings of a legendary Broadway production and offering a unique perspective on the lives and careers of iconic figures.

The Motive and the Cue” is a compelling play that delves into the intricate dynamics between two theatrical legends, Sir John Gielgud and Richard Burton, during their 1964 Broadway production of Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.” Written by Jack Thorne and directed by Sam Mendes, the play has garnered significant attention for its insightful portrayal of artistic collaboration and personal conflict.

Background and Premise

Set against the backdrop of 1960s New York City, “The Motive and the Cue” explores the tension-filled rehearsals of “Hamlet,” where the seasoned director Gielgud and the passionate actor Burton clash over creative interpretations. The narrative offers a window into the complexities of bringing Shakespeare’s work to life, highlighting the challenges and triumphs inherent in the theatrical process.

Critical Reception

The play has been met with predominantly positive reviews, particularly praising the performances of its lead actors. Mark Gatiss’s portrayal of Sir John Gielgud has been described as “restrained, quiet dignity, laced with sharp wit,” capturing the essence of the theatrical icon. Johnny Flynn embodies Richard Burton with a “harsh, growling diction,” effectively conveying the actor’s intensity and charisma. Tuppence Middleton’s depiction of Elizabeth Taylor adds depth to the narrative, though some critics note that the portrayal could have delved deeper into Taylor’s enigmatic persona.

The production itself has been lauded for its elegance and insightful commentary on the nature of theatre. The Evening Standard referred to it as “a love letter to theatre,” while The Telegraph highlighted its “witty, deft, touching evocation of a fascinating, fraught encounter that captures the mood of those times.” However, some critics, like those from The Guardian, felt that the play left audiences “wishing we had been there to see Burton in the real thing,” suggesting a desire for a more immersive experience.

Themes and Analysis

“The Motive and the Cue” delves into several profound themes:

Artistic Integrity vs. Commercial Success: The play examines the balance between staying true to artistic vision and achieving commercial appeal, a common dilemma in the performing arts.

Mentorship and Rivalry: The relationship between Gielgud and Burton reflects the complexities of mentorship, where admiration and rivalry coexist, shedding light on the generational shifts in theatrical approaches.

The Nature of Performance: By focusing on the rehearsal process, the play offers insights into the transformative journey from script to stage, emphasizing the dedication and conflict involved in creating a compelling performance.

Audience Reception and Impact

Audiences have responded enthusiastically to the play, with many expressing appreciation for its behind-the-scenes look at theatre production and the nuanced performances of the cast. The portrayal of iconic figures like Gielgud, Burton, and Taylor has resonated with both theatre enthusiasts and general audiences, providing a blend of historical insight and dramatic storytelling.

Availability and Viewing Options

Following its successful run at the National Theatre, “The Motive and the Cue” transferred to the Noël Coward Theatre in London’s West End, with performances scheduled from December 9, 2023, to March 23, 2024. For those unable to attend in person, the production has been recorded and is available through National Theatre Live, allowing audiences worldwide to experience the play.

FAQs

What is “The Motive and the Cue” about?

This captivating play delves into the tumultuous rehearsals for a 1964 production of Hamlet, starring Richard Burton as the titular prince and directed by Sir John Gielgud. It offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the creative process, showcasing the clashing egos, artistic differences, and personal struggles of these two iconic figures.

Who are the main characters in “The Motive and the Cue”?

Sir John Gielgud: A renowned stage actor and director, known for his impeccable technique and classical style.

Richard Burton: A charismatic and volatile actor, known for his intense performances and passionate personality.

What are the key themes explored in “The Motive and the Cue”?

The nature of creativity: The play examines the creative process, exploring themes of collaboration, ego, ambition, and the pursuit of artistic excellence.

The power of personality: It highlights the impact of strong personalities on the creative process and the challenges of working with demanding and temperamental artists.

The legacy of great artists: The play explores the enduring legacies of Gielgud and Burton, their impact on the theater world, and their place in theatrical history.

The human condition: Beyond the theatrical drama, the play delves into themes of aging, mortality, and the search for meaning and fulfillment.

What are the critical reception and audience reactions to “The Motive and the Cue”?

“The Motive and the Cue” has received generally positive reviews, with critics praising its insightful exploration of the creative process and the compelling performances of the actors.

What makes “The Motive and the Cue” unique?

Focus on a specific historical event: The play provides a fascinating glimpse into a pivotal moment in theatrical history, offering a unique perspective on the lives and careers of two legendary actors.

Engaging dialogue: Thorne’s witty and insightful dialogue captures the essence of the theatrical world, with its blend of humor, drama, and intellectual discourse.

Strong performances: The play often features strong performances from talented actors, bringing the legendary figures of Gielgud and Burton to life on stage.

Where can I learn more about “The Motive and the Cue”?

Official website: Check the official website of the theater where the play is being performed for information on tickets, dates, and cast.

Reviews: Read reviews of the play in major newspapers and theater publications.

Interviews: Look for interviews with the playwright, director, and actors in theater magazines and online publications.

To read more,Click Here.