A Delicate Balance

A Delicate Balance by Edward Albee

Wealthy, middle-aged couple Agnes and Tobias have their complacency shattered when Harry and Edna, longtime friends, appear at their doorstep. Claiming an encroaching, nameless fear has forced them from their own home, these neighbours bring a firestorm of doubt, recrimination and ultimately solace, upsetting the delicate balance of Agnes and Tobias household. The presence of Agnes alcoholic sister, Claire, and subsequent, unexpected appearance of their much-divorced daughter, Julia, only adds further heat to the situation and it is with dread and anticipation that we watch on as this volatile mixture comes to the boil. A Delicate Balance is Albees follow-up to his better known (but some say inferior) Whos Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. It occupies a similar milieu to its more illustrious predecessor, and combines frequent unexpected moments of humour with vicious dialogue and a constant dramatic tension. It won the Pulitzer Prize when first produced and has gone on to win Tony Awards since.