The Goat or, who is Sylvia?

THE GOAT OR, WHO IS SYLVIA caused PETE’S EYEBROWS to form a CATERPILLAR ARCH.

The Dramatic Premise

Martin and Stevie appear to be a happy couple, perfectly comfortable in each other’s imperfections.

But Martin is harbouring a secret which goes well beyond the kind of imperfection a spouse might tolerate.

Within the first one-third of the play’s one hundred (uninterrupted) minutes, the meaning of the play’s provocative title is first hinted at and then explicitly explained.

It turns out that Martin is in love with another creature. A goat he has named Sylvia. 

How far has Martin’s love taken him? I will allow the reader to use their own imagination. I did say, just a moment ago, however, that Martin’s involvement with Sylvia is explained explicitly. Make of that what you will.

After his secret is revealed, the story follows Martin’s quest for understanding and Stevie’s quest for retribution. I won’t give away the ending. I, for one, did not see it coming.

The Moment

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia is replete with clever dialogue. Some of the double entendres are obvious. Some took me by surprise.

I laughed out loud when Stevie mimicked what a goat might do to seduce a man, only to be greeted with Martin’s retort that she sounded more like a sheep.

The most thought-provoking dialogue, however, came towards the end of the play when Martin’s friend, Ross, painted a dire picture of what might happen to Martin’s life if he were caught with Sylvia.

Martin’s exploration of what matters most – people knowing about the act or the act itself – was, for me, the best part of Edward Albee’s deliciously provocative play.

For more information:

The Goat or, Who is Sylvia? – Sydney Theatre Company

(Originally posted on 27 March 2023.)