Until She Sleeps at the White Bear Theatre

The story of a clever woman trapped in a transactional relationship is inherently captivating. This trope opens the door to rich, complex possibilities – ranging from the manipulations of Gone Girl (2014) to the dark slapstick of The War of the Roses (1989), while also offering a lens through which to explore such marriages. Brad Sutherland’s high-tension drama, directed by David Furlong, delves into these dynamics by intertwining the agony of a degenerative disease with the uncomfortable truth that men are less likely to honour the “in sickness and in health” part of their wedding vows.

Until She Sleeps follows former country club president Edward Dunbar (Jonathan Hansler) and his younger American wife, Henrietta “Henny” (Tonya Cornelisse), as they navigate her unnamed illness, which eventually leaves her immobile, while trapped in a marriage grounded in manipulation. Edward resents his inability to leave her, and Henny, knowing she is no longer useful to him, retaliates by attacking the two things he cares about most – his image and his money. She keeps the funds he transferred to her to avoid taxes, drains his savings by insisting on a nurse instead of a cheaper caregiver and manipulates their friends into thinking he’s abusing her. Her resentment unfolds against his indifference, as he perceives her as both a financial and emotional drain.

With darkly humorous one-upmanship and explosive confrontations, the story dips into Hitchcock-esque psychological thriller elements. The fast-paced, character-driven narrative thrives on its two leads, whose performances anchor the story. As Edward and Henny’s manipulations escalate, their twisted dance becomes more calculated and ruthless, drawing the audience deeper into their web of lies, power plays and increasingly absurd situations. The story lives and dies by its central duo, their dynamic shifting between venomous conflict and unsettling codependency.

While characters do not need to be sympathetic or likeable to be compelling, they must remain consistent. The Dunbars are intriguing because they are calculating social climbers who, coming from humble origins, understand the precariousness of their position and excel in trapping each other and those around them in their power plays. Given this, it feels implausible that either would hold such faith in their spouse or peers, especially during such a vulnerable state. As a result, the play’s climax falters when Henrietta reveals her antagonism stems from Edward’s failure to reassure her he’ll stay with her until the end, while Edward laments the lack of support from their self-serving social circle in a monologue at the country club.

Despite the strong setup and escalating tension, the ending undercuts much of the nuanced character work, reducing what could have been a probing exploration of relational power dynamics to an exaggerated fable. While still an enjoyable watch, the tonal shift ultimately weakens the impact of an otherwise sharp script and dedicated performances.

Christina Yang
Photos: Paddy Gormley

Until She Sleeps is at the White Bear Theatre from 5^th until 16^th November 2024. For further information or to book visit the theatre’s website here.

Watch the trailer for Until She Sleeps at the White Bear Theatre here: