Revisiting Francis Bacon’s relationship with George Dyer
The upcoming play Buggers seeks to explore the complexities of Francis Bacon’s relationship with his lover George Dyer, presenting a nuanced perspective that goes beyond traditional narratives. The mythologized romance, which ended tragically with Dyer’s overdose in 1971, is revisited through previously unseen materials from the Francis Bacon estate, reports BritPanorama.
Dyer, who was found dead at the age of 36 the night before a major retrospective of Bacon’s work at the Grand Palais, has frequently been portrayed in a troubled light, marked by addiction, violence, and a toxic codependency. However, Alistair Hall, who stars as Bacon in the new production, aims to uncover the more intimate aspects of their relationship. He references happier moments found in photographs and correspondence that convey a sense of tenderness between the two men.
Hall, drawing upon previously unseen archive material, expresses a desire to move beyond the negative portrayals of their connection. “All the toxicity is in the play, and we know that it ends tragically, so we can’t sugarcoat that,” he states, while also emphasizing that moments of joy and love were integral to their relationship.
The play opens at the Edinburgh Fringe, where Hall, inspired by his previous experience with queer narratives, hopes to shine a light on the humanity of both figures. By accessing photographs, letters, and diaries from Bacon’s estate, Hall has developed an interpretation that captures both the complexities of their bond and the profound impact of external societal pressures, including the class divide and attitudes toward homosexuality in the 1960s.
Bacon, born in 1909 into a wealthy Anglo-Irish family, had a traumatic upbringing and became a prominent figure in London’s art scene. Dyer, a working-class figure and a minor criminal, stood in stark contrast to Bacon’s artistic elite, which added to the volatility of their relationship. “The class divide was huge,” Hall recounts, illustrating the tensions that arose from their different backgrounds.
The play seeks to engage the audience with the couple’s domestic life, revealing how they interacted in private, while also addressing their issues with addiction and control. Hall acknowledges the darkness that permeated their connection, particularly Bacon’s past relationship with Peter Lacey, which similarly ended in tragedy.
Despite the overarching themes of toxicity, Hall is adamant that the play is not only about addiction but also about the dynamics of support and enmeshment in a couple’s life. Bacon’s decision not to cancel the retrospective after Dyer’s death remains a point of contention, illustrating the complexities of his character and the societal expectations of masculinity during that era.
Ultimately, Buggers aims to provide an intimate look at two iconic figures, capturing the essence of their relationship with all its rawness and contradictions. The play runs at the Edinburgh Fringe from 5 to 30 August.
