Lakeboat – Prairie du Chien, two plays by David Mamet, Arcola Theatre London, 4* out of 5

In a recent BBC documentary Mark Knopfler, formerly of the band Dire Straits, talks about how he wrote the lyrics to the hit song “Money for Nothing”. In an electrical goods store in New York a delivery man who was bringing in refrigerators looked at a bank of television screens showing the MTV channel, when it had just started out. Knopfler followed the fellow around and claims that he took down more or less verbatim what he said. (For those of you who have forgotten the resulting lyrics or most unlikely never heard them, they are reproduced below.)

Judging by the feel of authenticity with which the dialogues capture the voices of the boatmen, David Mamet seems to have done something similar when he wrote his short play “Lakeboat”.

Dale Katzman, an 18 year all English Literature student begins his summer job working in the galley on a lakeboat for a Chicago based steel concern. In Katzman's conversations with the members of the crew, Mamet gives us brilliant portraits of the people making their living from working on these boats. In turn funny, moving and far beyond the politically correct, Mamet artistically shows us the different boatmen-types and their relationships. One can well imagine David Mamet being the young student working on that Lakeboat and being accepted into these men's lives. It is the dialogues that make this play; but there is a “red-thread” in form of a mystery story that holds it together. The set, direction and above all the sheer energy that emanates from the excellent actors keeps the audience's attention from the beginning to end.

The second play, Prairie du Chien,  is about people who meet for a short journey on an inland passenger boat. Strangers to each other they try to while away the time by telling stories or playing poker. Again it is the snippets of conversation and the authenticity of the voices that Mamet masters brilliantly. And yes, there is some excitement, too. Again excellent acting performances.

Of the two plays, Lakeboat is the stronger one, but Prairie du Chien is not far behind.

Despite the Labour Government's profligacy, and the Conservative-Liberal Governments cuts to Art's budgets, the Arcola Theatre is alive and vibrant and in an improved new building. For sheer quality, it is a glittering diamond within the London theatre scene and never disappoints. Visit it often and join the Arcola Appeal. 

http://www.arcolatheatre.com/

LAKEBOAT and PRAIRIE DU CHIEN
12th April - 7th May 2011  Starting time: 8.00pm Lakeboat - It is ship worker Dale’s first day on board the Lakeboat. The tall tale of his predecessor’s disappearance whips through the crew, as Dale discovers their mundane lives and fantastic dreams. Prairie du Chien – In a claustrophobic railroad car rolling through the night, violent tales of obsession, jealousy and death unfold as passengers while away their long journey across Prairie du Chien. An intriguing double-bill of rarely performed plays from acclaimed American writer David Mamet, winner of a Pulitzer price and Tony Award nomination for Glengarry Glen Ross and Speed-the-Plow, and Academy Award nominations forThe Verdict and Wag the Dog. Play Productions Ltd presents LAKEBOAT and PRAIRIE DU CHIENBy David Mamet Directed by Abbey WrightDesigner Helen GoddardLighting Designer Emma ChapmanAssistant Lighting Josh CarrComposer and Musician Tristan Parkes Casting Director Vicky Richardson Cast: Nigel Cooke, Ed Hughes, Chris Jarman, William Jeffs, Rory Keenan, Mark Lewis, Roy Sampson, Steven Webb, Nigel Whitmey Mark Knopfler: Money for Nothing I want my, I want my M.T.V. Now look at them yo-yo's, that's the way you do it You play the guitar on the M.T.V. That ain't working, that's the way you do it Money for nothing and your chicks for free Now that ain't working, that's the way you do it Let me tell you them guys ain't dumb Maybe get a blister on your little finger Maybe get a blister on your thumb We got to install microwave ovens Custom kitchen deliveries We got to move these refrigerators We got to move these colour T.V.'s The little faggot with the earring and the makeup Yeah buddy, that's his own hair That little faggot got his own jet airplane That little faggot he's a millionaire We got to install microwave ovens Custom kitchen deliveries We got to move these refrigerators We got to move these colour T.V.'s We got to install microwave ovens Custom kitchen deliveries We got to move these refrigerators We got to move these colour T.V.'s Look at that, look at that I should have learned to play the guitar I should have learned to play them drums Look at that mama, she got it sticking in the camera Man we can have some And he's up there, what's that? Hawaiian noises? Banging on the bongos like a chimpanzee Oh, that ain't working, that's the way you do it Get your money for nothing get your chicks for free We got to install microwave ovens Custom kitchen deliveries We got to move these refrigerators We got to move these colour T.V.'s Listen here Now that ain't working, that's the way you do it You play the guitar on the M.T.V. That ain't working, that's the way you do it Money for nothing and your chicks for free Money for nothing and chicks for free Get your money for nothing, get your chicks for free Money for nothing, chicks for free Look at that, look at that Get your money for nothing, get your chicks for free (I want my, I want my, I want my M.T.V.) Money for nothing and chicks for free Easy, easy That ain't working