Rating: ★★★★
Venue: Harold Pinter Theatre, London
Cast: Deborah Findlay, Romola Garai, Gina McKee, Anjli Mohindra, Harmony Rose-Bremner, Shira Abkin, Holly Georgia, Pamela Hardman, Adrien Spencer and Sarah Waddell
She strikes a pose and the camera shutter clicks: a child playing in the debris of the Second World War. Click. A student discovering parties and men’s bodies. Click. An activist fighting for the right to choose. Click. A wife picking out a velvet sofa. Click. A mother taking her eldest to judo. Click. A lover seducing a younger man. Click. A grandmother presenting her granddaughter to the camera. Click.
An unforgettable exploration of memory, time, and the human experience.
The Years, or Les Années, takes audiences on an emotional journey through the life of Annie Ernaux, spanning from 1941 to 2006. Set against the backdrop of post-war France, the play weaves together a collective memory, offering a blurred and poignant account of Annie’s life as it transitions through decades, societal shifts, and personal growth. The story is uniquely portrayed by five talented women, each representing Annie at different pivotal points in her life.
At first, the shifting portrayals can feel a bit disorienting, but as the narrative unfolds, each actress introduces us to a distinct chapter in Annie's journey, making her evolving self clear and accessible. The performances are nothing short of phenomenal, with each actress bringing her own interpretation to Annie, capturing the essence of her character through varied lenses. Despite the fluid transitions between these portrayals, the actresses masterfully make it clear that they are all aspects of the same woman, seamlessly evoking the nuances of Annie's identity at different stages of her life.
Adding another layer of depth, the actresses also double as musicians, providing live vocals and instrumentals during the performance. This musical integration is beautifully done, with each piece thoughtfully crafted to reflect the era, enhancing the emotional resonance. The staging is minimal yet striking, with a few well-chosen props—the kitchen table, for instance—taking center stage as a symbolic anchor in Annie’s life. The white sheets that cover the table transform into various props and, crucially, serve as a backdrop that evolves to mark key stages of Annie’s existence. As the years pass, the sheets are stained and worn with life events, symbolizing the passage of time and the accumulation of experience.
The overarching theme of time, the title says it all, guides the play’s exploration of both personal and historical events. Covering the post-World War II era through the early 2000s, the play deftly juxtaposes the political and social upheavals of the outside world with the intimate, often tumultuous journey of Annie’s personal life. At times, Annie’s internal struggles cause her to miss or overlook major events around her, a poignant commentary on how the personal can eclipse the external, often leaving one disconnected from the world. The aging versions of Annie reflect on these missed moments with deep remorse, lending a sense of introspection and emotional weight to the narrative.
The play imparts a vital message about not losing oneself in the midst of personal crises and forgetting to live in the present. The stained sheets that drape across the stage serve as a visual metaphor for the past that can never be fully erased, reminding us that the echoes of history are always with us.
The Years is a visceral experience, its graphic content, while harrowing, adds to the raw intensity of the narrative. While content warnings are provided, some audience members have fainted due to the emotional and physical toll of the performance. This is a testament to the power of the acting and production, which doesn’t shy away from difficult, often uncomfortable themes that are undeniably real.
As Annie’s life unfolds on stage, there is a palpable sadness in witnessing her aging, and it’s impossible not to empathize with her. The play evokes a deep emotional connection, as you journey with Annie through her years, feeling the weight of time and the bittersweetness of missed opportunities. The Years is a truly unique and original theatrical masterpiece, one that takes a little time to fully immerse in, but once you’re in, it’s an all-consuming experience.
Currently running at The Harold Pinter Theatre until April 19th, this play offers an immersive journey you won’t be able to resist surrendering to.
You can book tickets to The Years, here.
Review by Alex
**photo credit: Helen Murray**
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