Joe Orton emerged as a pioneering voice in British theater during the 1960s, cementing his reputation with his audacious and provocative works. His career, though abruptly ended by his murder in 1967, left a lasting impact, particularly with his first full-length play, Entertaining Mr. Sloane. This play, despite being overshadowed by later works like Loot and What the Butler Saw, remains a testament to Orton's unique talent and his penchant for challenging societal norms.

The Rise of Joe Orton

Joe Orton burst onto the theater scene with Entertaining Mr. Sloane, capturing attention through its audacious critique of suburban morality. Building on the success of his earlier radio play, The Ruffian on the Stair, Orton's theatrical debut was not only celebrated but also controversial. He aimed to dismantle the conventional proprieties of the time, offering audiences a satirical look at middle-class hypocrisies.

Orton's work, characterized by its black humor and vibrant energy, was part of the broader cultural shifts of the 1960s. His approach was akin to the Beatles' transformation of pop music, as he sought to revolutionize the tone and texture of British theater. As he famously stated in a 1967 interview, "It’s always a fight for an original writer because any original writer will always force the world to see the world his way." The enduring shock value and entertainment quality of his plays attest to the truth of this statement and his distinctive creative prowess.

Reception of Entertaining Mr. Sloane

Upon its initial release, Entertaining Mr. Sloane encountered a gamut of reactions ranging from acclaim to outrage. Esteemed playwright Terence Rattigan praised it as "the most exciting and stimulating first play" he had seen in over three decades. However, the play's brazen amorality and unflinching portrayal of homicide without moral judgment stirred controversy.

Critics like those from the London Times acknowledged the coarseness, viewing it as theatrically valid, while others, such as W. A. Darlington of the Daily Telegraph, vehemently opposed it, comparing the experience to "snakes writhing round my feet." Orton, never one to shy from criticism, even penned a mock letter under the pseudonym Mrs. Edna Welthorpe, lampooning the disapproval his play incited. Rattigan’s support played a pivotal role in transferring the production to the more prestigious Wyndham Theatre, further cementing Orton’s status as a radical new voice in theater.

International Impact and Controversy

The success of Entertaining Mr. Sloane on London's West End propelled Orton to international fame. The play was published as the best new play of the year and set for global productions. Yet, its American debut on Broadway in 1965 faced a chilly reception, with critics like Howard Taubman of the New York Times labeling it "nihilistic" and "unattractive." Despite the criticism and its closure after thirteen performances, Orton's director Alan Schneider remained optimistic about the play's "ultimate vitality" in contemporary drama.

In a turn of events, an Off-Broadway revival in 1981 found success, winning over critics who previously dismissed the work. Mel Gussow of the New York Times described it as a "blissfully perverse comedy of bad manners," and Edith Oliver of the New Yorker declared it a "minor classic." This revival confirmed Orton's posthumous influence and solidified Entertaining Mr. Sloane as a significant contribution to theater.

Legacy of Entertaining Mr. Sloane

Despite initial polarized reactions, Entertaining Mr. Sloane has withstood the test of time, continuing to be staged worldwide. Although it is less farcical compared to Orton's later works, it retains the "Ortonesque" quality of pushing boundaries with provocative and daring content. The play’s persistence on the global stage is a testament to Orton’s innovative spirit and his enduring impact on the theatrical landscape.

Ultimately, Joe Orton’s legacy is marked by his daring exploration of societal taboos and the unrelenting challenge he posed to audiences to confront the uncomfortable truths hidden beneath the veneer of politeness. Through Entertaining Mr. Sloane, he not only entertained but also provoked, ensuring his place as a pivotal figure in the annals of modern drama.