A View From the Bridge

In their capability to unite and divide there is something compelling about bridges that encourage writers to build stories around them. And as seen in The Bridges of Madison County, they are also a meeting point for dreams and romance.

In the longing quote from A View from the Bridge “Once I am a citizen... I would start to be something wonderful here,” New York jests its classic lucrative offer of a bigger and better picture on the other side of pond. But what makes this archetypical dream that little bit different?

Winning the Pulitzer Prize for drama, Arthur Miller’s writing has been praised for its ability to grip: as the play tackles indecent love, obsession, jealousy, tragedy and politics its ability to transfix should be a sure thing.

Having directed Miller classics such as The Price and The Man Who Had All The Luck, John Dove knows what he is doing, and familiar Lyceum faces like Richard Conlon, Greg Powrie and Kirsty Mackay provide warmth and continuity.

First staged in 1955, there is no one real reason why Miller’s play has been revived – there are a few. Shortly after Miller’s death in February 2005 it was rumoured that A View from the Bridge would grace the big screen. Having already produced other Miller plays to great applaud it makes sense for Dove to continue. Tapping into economic times, thoughts of emigrating and starting life afresh may be crossing people’s minds for the first time. But over and above these, the production simply has the timeless ingredients of great drama. [Zoë Keown]