Donate

Infinity Pool: an extraordinary retelling

Christian Butler

Topics Culture

Want to read spiked ad-free? Become a spiked supporter.

Infinity Pool, the new show from writer-performer Bea Roberts, is a modern retelling of Madame Bovary, featuring another protagonist named Emma who considers having an affair to escape the bleakness of her life. This modern Emma’s affair, however, is conducted online, with someone she’s never met.

The play replaces Flaubert’s detached portrait of Emma with a tenderer, more empathetic depiction – even though Emma, played by Roberts, never actually speaks. Dressed all in black and never lit, she’s more of a glorified stagehand. During the show, she operates numerous laptops, projectors and a VCR.

The screens, images, music clips and sound effects tell the story. Though this might sound overwhelming, the innovative visuals and sound design are engrossing. The play is also very funny. Roberts manages to lend beauty and humour to the banal actions of day-to-day life – though it is all underpinned by a great sadness. An extraordinary retelling.

★★★★☆

Christian Butler is a writer based in London.

Infinity Pool: A Modern Retelling of Madame Bovary is at the Bedlam Theatre until 29 August.

This is what we're up against...

A media ecosystem dominated by a handful of billionaire owners, bad actors spreading disinformation online and the rich and powerful trying to stop us publishing stories. But we have you on our side. Supporters help to fund our journalism and those who choose All-access digital enjoy exclusive extras:

  1. Unlimited articles in our app and ad-free reading on all devices
  2. Exclusive newsletter and far fewer asks for support
  3. Full access to the Guardian Feast app

If you can, please support us on a monthly basis and make a big impact in support of open, independent journalism. Thank you.

Comments

Want to join the conversation?

Only spiked supporters and patrons, who donate regularly to us, can comment on our articles.

Join today