Mousetrap

By Gladys Zamora

Mousetrap is a murder mystery play set in London that has captivated audiences for decades. The play takes place at a guesthouse, where seven strangers are stranded due to a snowstorm, and a murder occurs simultaneously. The play keeps its audience in suspense, as they try to unravel the mystery of who the murderer is.

As one of the oldest plays in London, Mousetrap has become a cultural icon of the city. Watching it was a great introduction to understanding the culture of London. The play's themes, such as the British love for mystery and intrigue, are deeply ingrained in British culture. This reminds me of a quote from Mulk Raj Anand's Little Plays of Mahatma Gandhi, where he writes, "Don't use 'These' and 'Thous!' Above all you must be sincere! Truthful! Write of life as it really is!". The sincerity in the Mousetrap was present as it served as form of escapism for the audience to solely focus on this mystery for two hours. The play was not a deep dive into the psychology of criminality but it was rather a classic, "truthful" view of British culture (Anand). By attending the play, I was able to immerse myself in the city's culture and learn more about it.

The atmosphere of the theatre was quite distinct from any other theatre I had attended. The theatre was packed, and the audience was engaged throughout the entire performance. The theatre's intimate setting made it feel like we were part of the play itself. I could feel the tension and suspense in the air, which added to the overall experience.

The actual theatre environment was also different from what I was used to in the United States. The seats were much smaller, and I felt like I was sitting closer to the stage. This created a sense of intimacy between the actors and the audience, allowing us to fully appreciate their performances. The theatre's decor and architecture were also unique, adding to the overall experience.

Overall, attending Mousetrap was a memorable experience that allowed me to immerse myself and my colleagues in British culture. The play's themes and the theatre's unique atmosphere gave me a greater appreciation for London's cultural heritage. I would highly recommend seeing Mousetrap to anyone interested in exploring London's cultural scene.