Mending Fences: a difficult Norman Foster play produces unexpected emotional depths!
Mending Fences is a most beautifully constructed play that appears to concern a dysfunctional family relationship dominated by an apparently angry, self centred patriarch who has given rise to a tortured young son and stubborn individuals who will have to learn how to listen to each other to eventually resolve their situation. As events unfold, we realize there are deeply underlying misunderstandings, hurtful encounters, difficult memories and sad events in the past that have given rise to much pain and it is all unravelled magnificently by Norm Foster whose talent for dialogue is astounding! Such quick wit, such razor-sharp responses and searing one-liners. He makes us laugh when we feel we should not be laughing and that is the secret to this admirable play. Plus, there is Bob Lackey as the sullen, apparently indifferent Harry who stifles any emotional connection with a verbal jab and an unexpected reaction that shocks and surprises us. The actor’s impeccable timing, fast repartee, and complete sullen naturalism produces a performance that is almost stunning and suits to perfection Foster’s quick wit, astounding one-liners, slip of the tongue insults and on going jokes about sex that pepper the play, sending it into an encounter of unexpected emotional depth. This is a brilliant performance! …