Nudity in The Graduate enhances the storytelling

Warnings of nudity preceded The Asylum Player’s production of The Graduate at the Blue Room, which could have been a distraction from the play, but Hello Lincoln intern KATIE SELLER felt the opposite was true.

Nudity in The Graduate becomes an artistic tool to enhance storytelling. The relationship between Benjamin and Mrs. Robinson requires this purposeful creative decision to understand the complex emotions between the two. Nudity deepens authenticity, intimacy and audience interaction in theatre.

The audience was briefed to expect nudity so we were prepared for the inevitable and there was a general understanding that the taboo being broken was a choice which adds to the story’s authenticity.

In The Graduate, we first come across nudity when Benjamin begins to take off a diver’s wet suit. It was a brief and comedic moment, which eased the audience into what was to follow. 

As we watched Benjamin struggle there was a gasp from the audience as we saw that there was nothing on underneath the suit, we then saw Mrs Robinson interrupt this moment which caused another gasp. 

This moment of Benjamin and Mrs Robinson meeting sets the tone for their relationship, as we recognise Benjamin’s fragility to being physically exposed and Mrs Robinsons blasé response.

Mrs Robinsons first appearance, from coming out of Benjamins bathroom, held power, you then understand that Benjamin is presented with a dilemma and tension is high. Sally Rosseau, who plays Mrs Robinson explained: “She (Mrs. Robinson) is really blasé at times, but at others she manipulates situations quickly to take control of moments that make her feel vulnerable or exposed.” 

When a character appears physically bare, it reflects their emotional truth. The use of nudity here shows this manipulative side and how she quickly takes control of Benjamin.

The actors understood the role of nudity and the emotional weight it held in the narrative; audience members praised their confidence and authenticity. 

James Green, who plays Benjamin added: “The main thing between me and Sally was trust."

I felt it was clear that the rehearsal room was a safe space for these actors to build that trust to create a performance that resonates with the audience. 

Photo: Richard Hall