An Argument about Sex

An age-old row is set in the contemporary world: Stewart Laing and Pamela Carter get ready to rumble.

Feature by Gareth K Vile | 25 Sep 2009

When Pamela Carter and Stewart Laing created Slope, they cemented their reputation for thought-provoking and theatrical innovation. While they remain tight-lipped about the design for An Argument About Sex, their shared history – and intention to use multiple spaces in the Traverse and Tramway - suggest another memorable excursion into philosophy and possibility.

Sourcing Pierre de Marivaux’s 1774 comedy La Dispute, Carter has “recontextualised the 'experiment' and written an entirely new framework.” For the heart of the play – is there an intrinsic difference between men and women? – she has “stuck closely to Marivaux and the rhythms of his language.”

This balance between past and present is familiar from Slope., which dealt with artistic creation. An Argument, however, addresses the naturalness of social relationships.

“I think theatre is about examining human behaviour,” Carter continues. “If you can't explore sex, gender, language in the theatre then where else are you supposed to do it?”

Director Laing is excited by Carter’s script, especially her adaptation of themes. “Pamela has focused on the financial industry, where the division of labour is still quite extreme,” he adds. “There is also scientific material in the early 21st century that helps us understand gender difference, and we have researched some of this, and referenced it in the production.”

Combining perennial meditations, a modern context, an imaginative use of the theatre, Carter’s sharp script and Laing’s directorial flair, An Argument promises to be both a showcase for dramatic excellence and an evening of provocative thought.

Glasgow, Tramway 1-17 October Edinburgh, Traverse 19 October - 7 November

http://www.tramway.org