Ciò che vide il maggiordomo

If there is a quality that unites and characterizes the works of Joe Orton, it is the ability to shock his audience by tackling recurring themes of late 20th century British drama such as fear, alienation, homosexuality, violence, and power. He did this in his lifetime with “Entertaining Mr. Sloane” and “The Ruffian on the Stair” and posthumously with “What the Butler Saw.”

The latter takes place entirely in a psychiatric study where embarrassing situations, attempts at seduction, identity exchanges, assaults, and arguments intertwine, reminiscent of the theater of the absurd while presenting characters who always remain absolutely credible. The play is characterized by provocatively crafted dialogues and the almost schizophrenic rhythm of French vaudeville, with incessant entrances and exits of characters caught in misunderstanding or in the act of wrongdoing.

“What the Butler Saw” is a frenetic and brilliant work with a disconcerting and absurd ending that has all the requisites to entertain and amuse the audience.