The Master Builder at Almeida Theatre, London

By Fiorenzo Cecere

The Master Builder is a gripping and brooding drama about a revered architect, set in a dark and an almost bare environment. Granted, this does not sound cheerful, but thanks to the fine acting of the cast, this play was engrossing and dealt with many sensitive issues quite well. Stephen Dillane was superb as the protagonist, who was clearly on the verge of insanity, fuelled by his lust for someone from the past, his unmasked fear of competition from up-and-coming rivals, his feeling trapped in a seemingly dead marriage, and his inability to come to terms with an unspeakable incident. Top quality drama.