TWO seldom performed one-act plays - from the same era and with a similar context - were given a capable airing by 4Play Theatre Company at The Courtyard last week.

An uncomfortable night's entertainment had moments of humour to relieve the strain, as well as dialogue so poignant that at times members of the audience were moved to tears.

Sibling relationships are eternally fascinating - perhaps more so to those with, than without - but it was the shadow of incest in both works that gave the evening its edge.

Chris Williams and Faustine Zweigenbaum handled Geraldine Aron's Bar and Ger without props, and plenty of propulsion.

It's a tender tale of a protective older sister in a dysfunctional family environment, who shares an unspoken bond with baby brother Barry. Her escape results indirectly in his demise, and in comparatively few words the author evokes a powerful sense of love and loss.

In her first lead role, Faustine put in a beautifully pitched performance and really led the audience with her, just as she did her brother.

The second two-hander, Home Free! by Lanford Wilson was slightly harder to grasp, and less delicate in its portrayal of a distorted family bond.

A brother and sister living together in a bedsit, play out their tortured childhood on imaginary children of their own. With a real child imminent, their lives are ruled by schedules and power struggles, with Leoni Linton's Joanna bearing down on Sam Meehan's Lawrence with disastrous consequence.

The production transfers to London shortly, where it should fare well.

Julie Harries