British actress Ambika Mod, celebrated for her compelling performances in “One Day” and “This Is Going to Hurt,” is set to star in “Porn Play,” a new production at London’s prestigious Royal Court Theater. The play, penned by Sophia Chetin-Leuner and directed by Josie Rourke, promises a thought-provoking exploration of addiction and its impact on individuals. Mod will portray an academic grappling with an addiction to violent pornography.

“Porn Play”: A Deep Dive into Addiction and its Ramifications

Opening in November at the Royal Court’s Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, “Porn Play” is being described as “funny, unsettling and honest.” The play was shortlisted for Soho theatre’s Verity Bargate award back in 2022. Chetin-leuner says she began writing the play to examine the effects of pornography on women but it has “evolved into something much more delicate and intricate over the years”.

The play’s themes resonate with ongoing discussions in the U.S. regarding the impact of pornography on society, particularly on young adults. Studies have shown potential links between pornography consumption and unrealistic expectations about sex, relationship dissatisfaction, and even increased risk of sexual aggression. These concerns are sparking conversations in households, schools, and policy-making circles across the nation.

Chetin-Leuner’s Vision and the Royal Court’s Legacy

Sophia Chetin-leuner, whose previous work “This Might Not Be It” explored mental health within the setting of an NHS unit, expressed her excitement about premiering her new play at the royal Court. Ever as I was a teenager, going to see plays at the Royal Court has shaped my ideals and purpose of who I want to be as a writer – so it’s a terrifying privilege to have Porn Play debuting here. This highlights the Royal Court’s notable influence on emerging playwrights and its commitment to staging challenging and relevant works.

Ambika Mod: From Comedy to Complex Roles

Ambika Mod’s diverse background, including training at the St Albans performing arts school theatrix and experience as an improv and sketch comedian (appearing with the comedy troupe the Free Association), equips her with a unique skill set to tackle the complexities of her character in “porn Play.” Her previous stage productions, such as Nassim Soleimanpour’s White Rabbit Red Rabbit, demonstrate her willingness to embrace unconventional and demanding roles.

Royal Court’s Bold New Season

“Porn play” is part of a slate of four new premieres announced at the Royal Court, highlighting the theatre’s dedication to innovative and diverse storytelling. Other notable productions include:

• Deaf Republic (August): Adapted from the poems of Ukrainian-american author Ilya Kaminsky,presented by Dead Centre in collaboration with poet Zoë McWhinney. The play will utilize spoken English, sign language, creative captioning, and puppetry, featuring both deaf and hearing actors.
• Cow | Deer (Following Deaf Republic): A collaboration with the National Theatre of Greece by katie Mitchell, Nina Segal, and Melanie Wilson. This wordless performance explores the lives of animals,described as “an experiment in recalibration … looking beyond the purely human into the more-than-human world.”
• The Unbelievers (October): A new play by Nick Payne starring Nicola Walker, directed by Marianne Elliott, described as an “honest exploration of motherhood.”

The Royal Court will also revive Soleimanpour’s Echo and tour Breach theatre’s Section 28 musical After the Act, previously staged at the New Diorama in London.Tife Kusoro, acclaimed for her play G, will join the theater for 18 months to write a new play.

Addressing Potential Concerns

Given the subject matter of “Porn Play,” it’s reasonable to anticipate potential criticism regarding its explicit themes. Some may argue that the play could normalize or even glorify pornography addiction. However, supporters might counter that the play’s intention is to spark dialog, raise awareness, and ultimately challenge societal perceptions surrounding addiction and sexuality. The play’s success will likely depend on its ability to handle the subject matter with sensitivity, nuance, and a clear focus on the human impact of addiction.

Fresh Perspectives on Addiction and Performance Art

The exploration of addiction in “Porn Play” is particularly timely, as the U.S. grapples with its own challenges related to technology and mental health. The rise of online platforms and readily accessible content has created new avenues for addiction, demanding a deeper understanding of its psychological and social roots. By portraying such a sensitive subject on stage, “Porn play” has the potential to generate meaningful conversations and greater empathy.