Jerusalem (Jez Butterworth)

This play is a virtuoso of language coming at the audience like the crowds on Times Square. Sometimes you cannot see the faces in the crowds, but you can be overwhelmed nonetheless. Mark Rylance's performance as Rooster Byron, a drug dealing pied piper of Wiltshire youth, is often difficult to fathom. His motivations are unclear and his self conception muddled, even delusional. I wasn't sure if he represented a lost English Arden or the general degradation of British middle-class culture. He certainly isn't a figure of hope, not even failed rebellion. Deserves to be read.

Recommend.