Through a Glass Darkly - Almeida Theatre

Ian McElhinneyPhoto: Simon AnnandMy book? You know, that’s got tobe finished and at the publishersby then. I’m going to get thetypescript off by the end of nextweek. That’s my plan. While I’mhere.DavidScene Threeher, in the way they look down and can seewhat they do. She tells Max not to be scared.Scene ThreeThe family sit around the table, which islittered with the remains of the evening meal.Karin compliments her father’s cooking andMartin raises a toast to their holiday reunion.David reminiscies on their previous visits intheir childhood, when their mother was stillalive. Max is aloof, dropping in cool commentsnow and again, piercing the attempts at a lightmood.David talks about his novel, and the process ofwriting which, even after two years, he stillfinds hard. He tells them he has beenhomesick and missed his children whilst hewas away and longed for this moment. Davidquestions Max, in an awkward exchange, abouthis future after finishing school. Max asksDavid if he will be around, to which Davidgives a vague answer. Karin expresses surpriseand shock that David may be going awayagain, while Martin reassures her it mustsurely be for a short trip. David can give noclear idea how long he will be away, but doesnot seem concerned of the impact on this onanyone but him. David says he will finish hisbook during the holiday. The conversationpeters out uncomfortably. David is aware of thenegative atmosphere but doesn’t understandwhy he should feel bad. Max is upset – hisfather promised he would stay at home moreafter finishing the latest novel. David attemptsto brighten the scene by producing presents hehas bought for all three from his trip toSwitzerland.As he leaves to fetch his tobacco, they unwraptheir gifts. Gloves, a watch and an electricrazor: they are meaningless items. Maxcynically believes they were bought at theairport. Meanwhile we see David, sobbing andin a state of utter despair. He finally managesto control himself, and returns to the table.The children thank him for their gifts. Karinthen tells her father that Max has a surprise forhim: his play. Max reluctantly gives his fatherthe play, placing them in front of David on thetable. David stares at the play but does notpick it up. Karin prepares to perform theprologue for the party, but David stops her –he would rather read it later. David gets up toclear the dishes, leaving the play on the table.Plot SummaryResource Pack: Through A Glass Darkly by Ingmar Bergman 8