Review: Elämä näyttämöllä

Soon the lights will go out

A young, up-and-coming actress with fire and vision, and who is already noticed in public. An aging and lonely star who persistently guides the younger one and warms up to the memories of his career.

The two men meet at Studio Elsa in David Mamet’s small and snappy play Life on Stage. An entire turning point in life is condensed into an hour and ten minutes. Great. We get deep.

Lari Halme’s young John is self-aware, a little withdrawn and lets the old Robert speak for himself, guide and guide. The attitude shows that they are not actually interested. Esko Roineen Robert, on the other hand, first personifies the teacher’s self-awareness, then gradually crumbling, jealousy and helplessness. The young person comes so easily and passes by and doesn’t even seem to notice it.

The men’s scenes, both on the “stage” and in the dressing room, proceed with small movements. They are loaded a lot. A particularly difficult place is the criticism given by the other person. Was the scene really stiff today?

Roine’s Robert shows the importance of praise, sensitivity and wistfulness. When he delays leaving home while young John concentrates on his rehearsals, it’s like a plea for help: the lights on stage go out too soon.

Familiar, relatable feelings. Life is terribly short when you look back. What is left?

In his last line, Robert thinks that maybe it’s worth it after all. I’m sure it is.