Sophia Chetin-Launer’s new play, Porn Play, is currently in residence at the Royal Court’s Upstairs studio, which has been reimagined as a plush space of carpet, cushions, and a deep, layered hole suggestive of a woman’s vulva.
Ani (Ambika Mod) is a successful academic, specialising in the work of John Milton (Paradise Lost). Her boyfriend, Liam (Will Close) is concerned about something that is affecting their relationship.
It becomes clear that Ani is addicted to porn, specifically porn including acts of violence. This becomes her world, affecting work, friendships, and health.
In Josie Rourke’s production, beautifully designed by Yimai Zhao to hide props within its folds and crevices, Ani’s world becomes, uncomfortably, ours.
The Milton symbolism (apple, Eve, temptation, transgression) is perhaps a little obvious, as is the snake/whip promotional image, but as a study of addiction Chetin-Leuner offers an interesting perspective on her female protagonist.
However, Porn Play skirts around issues relating to the female consumption of porn, consensual non-consent, the BDSM dynamic, the ethics of free porn, and reality v fantasy.
An early scene where Liam’s consumption of ‘Latina boobs’ online is glossed over may be seen to be giving men a pass. A support group of male porn/sex addicts see Ani as ‘a trigger’.
The other actors – Close, Lizzy Connolly, and Asif Khan – play more than one role, surrounding Mod (who is in every scene) a variety of interactions.
With a script offering a variety of style influenced by Kane and Ravenhill, absurdism and surrealism, and perhaps even Pinter, Porn Play can sometimes feel disjointed.
It certainly sets out to shock in a couple of moments. Reading the playtext, one awkward scene has been excised but others sharpened and extended.
Ani’s real world of intimacy, loss, lectures, speeches, medical appointments, and awkward encounters is slowly absorbed by her need for the screen.
It’s hard to determine whether Porn Play sees the consumption of porn as inherently bad. Ani’s case is extreme and destructive, but porn can be ethical, enjoyable and emotive for some other women.
A modern-set play that ignores the existence of OnlyFans and camgirls seems odd, and although Mod’s commitment to a raw and vulnerable role must be admired, Porn Play stops short of offering a nuanced look at its subject.
The creation of a sympathetic male role in Ani’s dad (Khan) is extremely positive, but other male characterisations (whether presented as they are or through Ani’s fantasy lens) are one-dimensional.
Connolly’s characters offer some comic relief without diluting the sharp punch of the plot. Porn Play is an interesting watch that made me not just think, but read the whole playtext through.
This is a play that invites you to look (one audience member was thought to be taking that too literally, with a show-stop for suspected filming). It suggests a position, and expects those watching to fill in the blanks.
I’m giving this 3.5*.
Porn Play is at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs until 13 Dec. It’s sold out for the remainder of the run but details here.
Image credit: Helen Murray