Jez Butterworth is premiering a new play on the West End stage called Jerusalem that is set in the calm lands of England against the sings of pagan times and self-indulgence. Common themes throughout the play include the lack of safety and health regulations alongside the mismanagement of pleasurable pursuits.
The lead character in Jerusalem, Johnny Byron, is a daredevil biker who is not afraid to take on any challenge while leading a pack of misfits composed of high school dropouts and teenagers who may have been called ‘greasers’ back in the day. The group reminds viewers of punks and the gothic trends that govern today’s school as they lack respect for authority, rules, and structure.
In every way Byron is the character you should hate, as he is banned from the pubs, facing the bulldozing of his mobile home by police order, and drug laden at every time of the day. However, at the same time there is a heroic side to his refusal to accept the status quo with a satirically humorous side. Played by Mark Rylance he is the lead that you hate to love but cannot help hoping will find peace and a happy ending to his life before the play closes.
Every punk leader has a female sidekick, and Byron is no acceptance with Mackenzie Crook portraying Byron’s girlfriend Ginger who appears to be more of a wife if Byron followed society’s traditions. Byron’s best friend is also worth a good look with Tom Brooke portraying a confused young teenager looking for meaning in the gritty side of Bryon’s life.
Jerusalem is directed by Ian Rickson who allows the play to take on the appearance of organized chaos and predicted pandemonium which is exactly the feeling you get the Butterworth was trying to convey from the script.
The play can seem to run a bit long sometimes due to its repetitive theme, but due to Rylance’s stunning performance it is not a delay that seems noticeable until after viewers walk out of the theatre.
