In this play we follow the two brothers, Aston and Mick who live together. One day, during the winter months, the oldest brother Aston brings home a seemingly knackered man called Davies. It quickly becomes obvious that Davies is utterly callous but even so Aston kindly offers him a place to stay. Not till later, is it revealed that Aston’s kindness is due to some electric shock treatment that he underwent two years earlier.
Unabashed, Davies takes advantage of his host and that spurs Mick to grill the guest both brutally and in a kind manner, which equally scares and confuses the sponger. At one point, after Aston has given him the job as caretaker in one of the buildings owned by Mick, he slanders Aston in such a harsh fashion that Mick looses his temper and dismisses him.
‘The Caretaker’ is one of Pinter’s classics and is considered among the best British plays of the century.
THE CARETAKER Den Nationale Scene 2021 © Sebastian Dalseide_DNS
