Wesker wroteRootsin response to Osborns scorching commentary on the political and social upheavals that upended post-war Britain.
Clark described Helena as the disruptor to this already very disturbed relationship between Jimmy and Alison.
At the time both plays were written, repertory companies performed the length and breadth of Britain.
(L-R) Billy Howle, Morfydd Clark and Romola GaraiIone Wolff; Guy Coombs; Getty
The likes of Judi Dench and Ian McKellen swore by them.
Indeed, both Dench and McKellen have told me that playing rep taught them everything about acting.
Clark noted that the plays are kind of like a tonic to each other.
She told me that the plays show the importance of whats going on in every living room.
She is also looking forward to treading the boards again.
The last time I saw her was playing Cordelia when Glenda Jackson was Lear at the Old Vic.
She hailed Jackson as just so inspiring and fiery and unapologetic.
Its frightening but a good thing to do and it really exercises the acting muscles.
Putting stage muscles to good use
Howle has been putting those stage muscles to good use of late.
Having different rehearsal processes is a great schooling.
All this is examined against a backdrop of rampant industrialisation in a country trying to find its feet again.
Advertising becomes massive the manipulation and mind control and as ever, people get left behind, Howle said.
Jimmy is highly educated but his working class background makes him suspicious of the shiny new prospects on offer.
On paper theres every reason for him to walk into a job and do well and succeed.
That production runs at the Almeida from July 27 through August 31.
