Exploring Grief and Connection in *Evening All Afternoon*

*Evening All Afternoon*, a play by Anna Ziegler, presents a nuanced exploration of grief and familial relationships through the interactions of two women: Delilah, portrayed by Erin Kellyman, and her stepmother Jennifer, played by Anastasia Hille. Set against a backdrop of emotional turmoil following the death of Delilah's mother, the play examines the challenges of forming a bond between two contrasting characters navigating their shared loss.

Evening All Afternoon with Anastasia Hille and Erin Kellyman at Donmar Warehouse – review

Delilah, a confident and assertive young woman, grapples with her mother's death and her father's unexpected marriage to Jennifer, a reserved and self-doubting woman who has spent her life caring for her own mother. The tension between them is palpable, as Delilah's resentment towards Jennifer's presence complicates their attempts at connection. Ziegler's writing captures the jagged rhythm of their relationship, where moments of warmth are often followed by retreat, reflecting the complexities of grief and acceptance.

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

The title of the play, derived from Wallace Stevens' poem "Thirteen Ways of Looking at a Blackbird," underscores its exploration of perspective and emotional nuance. The set design by Basia Binkowska, characterized by a serene blue palette, enhances the themes of memory and isolation. The revolving stage symbolizes the shifting emotional terrain between Delilah and Jennifer, while the use of everyday objects highlights the weight of their shared histories.

The Guardian

Critics have noted the play's ability to surprise and engage, with one review highlighting its "quietly powerful study of grief and families." The performances of Kellyman and Hille have been described as "astonishingly absorbing," effectively conveying the emotional depth of their characters. Diyan Zora's direction has been praised for its delicacy, allowing the narrative to unfold at a thoughtful pace.

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

Despite its strengths, some reviews have pointed out that the play occasionally veers into the territory of melodrama without sufficient payoff. Critics have described certain elements as "tame and twee," suggesting that the emotional drama could be overshadowed by attempts at humor. Additionally, there are observations that the character of Jennifer may come across as a cliché, lacking depth in her portrayal.

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

• “Borrowing its title from the same poem, Ziegler’s world première at the Donmar Warehouse is a tender, perceptive examination of grief, connection and the tentative bridges we build across generations.” — Theatre Weekly

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

• “The play’s power, ultimately, lies in its liminal spaces: between dream, psychosis and reality, between fiction and its creation, and between the tragedy of death and the capacity for healing found within it.” — The Guardian

The Guardian

• “What Ziegler captures so astutely is the rhythm of a relationship that refuses to follow a neat arc.” — Theatre Weekly

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

• “The only thing they share is the recent loss of their mothers, but even grief divides them as much as it binds: Jennifer attempts to build a relationship, but Delilah pushes back, overshadowed by the memory of her mother, which still haunts her in ways she can barely articulate.” — What’s On Stage

Review: Evening All Afternoon at Donmar Warehouse

*Evening All Afternoon* continues to resonate with audiences, prompting discussions about the complexities of family dynamics and the impact of grief. As the play runs at the Donmar Warehouse, it invites viewers to reflect on their own relationships and the bridges built through shared experiences of loss.

The Guardian