About a year ago, I started watching a show on HBO Max called Succession. It’s about a dysfunctional family. What d you know? And who was the main character of this show? Surprise surprise, the man, the myth, the legend, Brian Cox. So when I found out that we were going to be watching a show starring him, I was for lack of a better word, shook. He was the highlight of that show so the idea of seeing him in the flesh made me super excited. And then I read the play for the class and I realized that he is absolutely perfect for the role of James Tyrone. He’s a man with a temper and has a bit of evil in his bag. But it’s justified in his own way which I thought was great.
I do believe that “bad” characters work only when they are justified. At first, we are led to believe that this man values his wealth more than the well-being of his family. But when he gives monologue to Edmundson, you understand why he is the way he is. He grew up extremely poor to the point where his family couldn’t eat sometimes. It makes you feel for him in a way that isn’t understood at the beginning of the show and his character needed it.
This show deals with very real and heavy themes. The struggle of addiction takes the main spotlight during this show. I didn’t even realize it when I first read the show. I don’t know how I missed it, but every body in the family is dealing with addiction problems. James is clearly an alcoholic and we know this because he denies that he ever gets drunk. If you know anything about alcoholism, that’s one of the main red flags. Denial. Jamie and Edmundson are following in the foot steps of their father and of course, Mary Tyrone with her addiction to Morphine.
I do recommend this show because it’s shines light on addiction in a way that’s far more realistic that I’ve ever seen. It’s not over-dramatic and its not overtly violent. It’s just another day in the life of addicts and its super heavy in that regard.
Theatre in London U of A 