Variable

About this activity

Why Watch The Inheritance I

Inheritance is nothing short of an incredible 7-hour spectacle that delves into the tumultuous and downright terrifying times marked by the onset of the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The gay community was just as adversely affected as the rest of the population. Playwright Matthew Lopez brings his characters to life and presents them in a relatable fashion to the audience. There is no doubt that Stephen Daldry, a two-time Tony and two-time Olivier award winner, is one of the best directors in theatre today. He has worked on the official Netflix show ‘The Crown’ and big-screen movies like ‘The Hours’.

While some may question the long runtime, sitting through this emotional rollercoaster ride will completely justify it for the viewer. The show is brilliant in its own right and captures the fear and distress of the gay community in the ‘80s. Although the play seems to revolve around several instances of an ‘inheritance’, it is the final inheritance that brings the show to a breathtaking finish.

The Story

The ambitious production follows the story of Toby Darling, Eric Glass, and Adam. Eric is a man who takes his work very seriously and his pride swells with every new feather in his cap. Toby and Eric begin to grow apart and Toby is left alone with his sorrow. In his desperation, Toby befriends his neighbour, Walter. Walter is much older than Eric, and has lived through an era of dread - the AIDS epidemic in the 1980s. The play thoroughly explores this harrowing period when aggression and paranoia rose unchecked in the gay community. Walter recounts his experiences as a caretaker for sick men at an upstate house that he shared with his partner, Henry Wilcox. Although it might seem like there are too many aspects of the plot that are revealed in the first part, the play manages to maintain its unpredictability deep into its second half.

Good for

Fans of Lopez’s original book | Drama and Romance Enthusiasts | Those wishing to get a glimpse into the darker side of life in the 80’s

Critics Reviews

"Monumental and transcendent"
- TimeOut

"Stephen Daldry’s crystalline production, pierces your emotional defences."
- The Guardian

Please note that these reviews are for a previous production of the play.