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Sea Wall / A Life
1 hr and 22 mins
Meet Alex, a photographer on a holiday with his family in the south of France. Meet Abe, a music producer with a baby on the way. Two men—both fathers, husbands, and sons—take us on a journey you will never forget. The finest actors of their generation, Academy Award® nominee Jake Gyllenhaal (Sunday in the Park with George) and Tony Award nominee Tom Sturridge (1984), had audiences roaring to their feet during the sold-out Broadway engagement.Now Sea Wall / A Life, a dramatic exploration of transformative love and devastating loss, comes to Audible.
Written by Simon Stephens and Nick Payne
Performed by Jake Gyllenhaal and Tom Sturridge
Directed by Carrie Cracknell
Original Broadway Production produced by Nine Stories, Ambassador Theatre Group, Seaview Productions, Benjamin Lowy Productions, LFG Theatrical, Audible, Gavin Kalin Productions, Glass Half Full Productions, Jacob Langfelder, Brian Moreland Roth-Manella Productions, Salman Vienn Al-Rashid Friends, SLSM Theatricals, and Teresa Tsai. It was produced in association with Dunetz Restieri Productions, Morwin Schmookler, Jane & Mark Wilf, Mandy Hackette, and The Public Theater; Oskar Eustis, Artistic Director, and Patrick Willingham, Executive Director. New York Premiere Production by The Public Theater.
Sea Wall/ A Life includes explicit language and discussion of adult themes. Discretion is advised.
©2020 Simon Stephens and Nick Payne (P)2020 AO Media, LLC.
2 pages, Audible Audio
First published January 28, 2019
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485 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews
May 9, 2020
This is two separate recordings. After the first (Sea Wall), I would have given it negative stars if I could, but I forged on and listed to "A Life" which is so much better. I don't know know why thy put these two together. It is like buying a combo pack of a prime steak and Alpo.
May 31, 2020
Two amazingly depressing plays. They weren’t bad, but I am so glad that I didn’t go to a theater to see these.
May 8, 2020
I loved both parts of this book! They were just written so beautifully and the narrators just made it that much better. Both stories deal with something huge and they made everything so intriguing. Out of the two, I really enjoyed the second one a bit more. This whole thing just gave me a whirlwind of death and life all wrapped into one.
The one thing I didn't know is that this is a play too! So I would be so completely down to see it.
The one thing I didn't know is that this is a play too! So I would be so completely down to see it.
May 3, 2020
When one life ends, another begins and we're not really prepared for either
May 10, 2024
What a find!
One thing leads to another. So, having been well and truly done in by Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal in Andromeda scaled cryfest All of Us Strangers last night, I, just now, found myself scrolling through Scott-related YouTube videos. I clicked on a half-hour-long one called Sea Wall Starring Andrew Scott. I didn’t originally intend to watch the whole thing, but I ended up doing so anyway… because it was mesmerising. The man can act. As always — even in flipping Hamlet(!) — it’s like he’s naturalistically making up the words as he goes along.
The play itself is pretty good in its own right: a one man monologue formed almost entirely of conversational digressions which gradually form their own picture of underlying preoccupations and insecurities before eventually bringing it all together. It reminded me a bit of Krapp’s Last Tape, in fact — until the ending, which, in Scott’s hands, hits like a hammer-blow. It’s perhaps more of a writing exercise than a serious piece of literature, but in any case, wow!
One thing leads to another. So, having been well and truly done in by Andrew Scott and Paul Mescal in Andromeda scaled cryfest All of Us Strangers last night, I, just now, found myself scrolling through Scott-related YouTube videos. I clicked on a half-hour-long one called Sea Wall Starring Andrew Scott. I didn’t originally intend to watch the whole thing, but I ended up doing so anyway… because it was mesmerising. The man can act. As always — even in flipping Hamlet(!) — it’s like he’s naturalistically making up the words as he goes along.
The play itself is pretty good in its own right: a one man monologue formed almost entirely of conversational digressions which gradually form their own picture of underlying preoccupations and insecurities before eventually bringing it all together. It reminded me a bit of Krapp’s Last Tape, in fact — until the ending, which, in Scott’s hands, hits like a hammer-blow. It’s perhaps more of a writing exercise than a serious piece of literature, but in any case, wow!
May 4, 2020
Listening to this play was an emotional and extraordinary experience. It was a great reminder of our humanity, vulnerability and mortality. It was honest, raw, brutal and heartbreaking in the best ways possible. Two brilliant performances and two simple but amazing plays. It leaves an impact that encourages you to think about your life and life in general.
May 26, 2020
Well-written, but SO depressing.
About the death of a daughter and the death of a father
About the death of a daughter and the death of a father
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 30, 2020
Genuinely so good. I am partial to Gyllenhaal’s section of the story, but both parts are performed beautifully. I do think that the second part was written a bit better, or perhaps I just connected with it a bit more. Regardless, this one is going to stick with me for a while. So glad I saw this was available for free today.
May 15, 2020
May 15, 2020 Temporary Update
A bit late notice, but still available for 3 days until May 18, 2020 is a performance of Simon Stephens' "Sea Wall" (2012) monologue by actor Andrew Scott who first premiered the work. On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j01kV...
Two One-Handers
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (April 30, 2020) based on the two-play stageplay (2019) based on the original plays Sea Wall (2019) by Simon Stephens & [A Life] (2019) by Nick Payne
Sea Wall by Simon Stephens as performed by Tom Sturridge gets top listing here, but it is A Life by Nick Payne as performed by Jake Gyllenhaal that will leave the bigger impression. Both plays are monologues dealing with extreme life events, but A Life uses the juxtaposition of the death of the speaker's father with the birth of his child in the most striking manner. The monologue shifts between the two scenarios seamlessly and a trip to the hospital for one event can turn into the resolution of the other and back and forth. Due to the relative shortness of the works, they were combined into a double feature off-Broadway/on-Broadway production and now in this excellent Audible Original.
Sea Wall / A Life was one of ten Audible Originals available free for Audible members in May 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
Trivia and Link
You can see Jake Gyllenhall perform the opening of A Life when he makes a cameo appearance at a Chris Thile concert here.
A bit late notice, but still available for 3 days until May 18, 2020 is a performance of Simon Stephens' "Sea Wall" (2012) monologue by actor Andrew Scott who first premiered the work. On YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j01kV...
Two One-Handers
Review of the Audible Original audiobook (April 30, 2020) based on the two-play stageplay (2019) based on the original plays Sea Wall (2019) by Simon Stephens & [A Life] (2019) by Nick Payne
Sea Wall by Simon Stephens as performed by Tom Sturridge gets top listing here, but it is A Life by Nick Payne as performed by Jake Gyllenhaal that will leave the bigger impression. Both plays are monologues dealing with extreme life events, but A Life uses the juxtaposition of the death of the speaker's father with the birth of his child in the most striking manner. The monologue shifts between the two scenarios seamlessly and a trip to the hospital for one event can turn into the resolution of the other and back and forth. Due to the relative shortness of the works, they were combined into a double feature off-Broadway/on-Broadway production and now in this excellent Audible Original.
Sea Wall / A Life was one of ten Audible Originals available free for Audible members in May 2020. It is available to everyone for a standard price.
Trivia and Link
You can see Jake Gyllenhall perform the opening of A Life when he makes a cameo appearance at a Chris Thile concert here.
May 6, 2020
At least this was relatively short.
May 22, 2020
I absolutely loved every single second of this. Split into two stories both told by two different fathers, the first, Sea Wall, is about the death of a daughter, the second, A Life, is about the birth of a daughter as well as the death of the narrator's father. Both stories, especially the second, are told so beautifully well and with such raw emotion you'd think the narrators were the ones that actually experienced these events and weren't just telling someone else's story.
In terms of intensity, these stories are definitely polar opposite with Sea Wall being told in a significantly more relaxed manner than A Life. I've seen reviews complaining that the first story is boring and to pair these together was a mistake, but I couldn't disagree more. I think the contrast is overwhelmingly perfect. They complement each other, like yin and yang. They both tell tragic and beautiful stories with deep meanings and messages, just in different tones and I think this perfectly represents how each of us handle major events differently. The father that lost a daughter is telling the story in a slower, deliberate manner that indicates he's still working through his own emotions and hasn't fully come to terms with what took place. There's no intensity or excitement in the narration, but the emotion and imagery is there to put us exactly where he was both in body and mind at the time of the incident, while the second story is told with so much energy we can practically feel it ourselves, reflective of the emotions present at the time a first child is coming into the world while simultaneously learning your father has died at the exact same time.
Tears were present for me in both stories, and involuntary smiles occurred too. In only an hour and a half, we go on a whole rollercoaster of emotions with no second being wasted. Even long dramatic pauses lend significance to the feelings the listener is meant to feel.
This was beautiful in every way possible.
In terms of intensity, these stories are definitely polar opposite with Sea Wall being told in a significantly more relaxed manner than A Life. I've seen reviews complaining that the first story is boring and to pair these together was a mistake, but I couldn't disagree more. I think the contrast is overwhelmingly perfect. They complement each other, like yin and yang. They both tell tragic and beautiful stories with deep meanings and messages, just in different tones and I think this perfectly represents how each of us handle major events differently. The father that lost a daughter is telling the story in a slower, deliberate manner that indicates he's still working through his own emotions and hasn't fully come to terms with what took place. There's no intensity or excitement in the narration, but the emotion and imagery is there to put us exactly where he was both in body and mind at the time of the incident, while the second story is told with so much energy we can practically feel it ourselves, reflective of the emotions present at the time a first child is coming into the world while simultaneously learning your father has died at the exact same time.
Tears were present for me in both stories, and involuntary smiles occurred too. In only an hour and a half, we go on a whole rollercoaster of emotions with no second being wasted. Even long dramatic pauses lend significance to the feelings the listener is meant to feel.
This was beautiful in every way possible.
September 2, 2021
I was not a fan :( I listened to the audiobook version, which contained "Sea Wall" and another story called "A Life." And while both stories were amazingly preformed, I wasn't blown away by them. Just not my cup of tea.
April 6, 2021
two short and unrelated stories about death / grief. Both wonderful voice acting and a real pleasure to listen to, the stories... not so much
December 15, 2023
I have an unfair advantage here because I had the gift of getting to see these two plays performed on Broadway. I'm not sure what the experience of listening to them would be like if you are coming to them for the first time through the medium of Audible. However, I found the stories just as engaging and moving as watching them on stage.
The common preference seems to be the second story, A Life, over Sea Wall. I can understand this—it's a little clearer, less artistic or ambiguous, more relatable to most people's lives. The way Gyllenhaal tells it, you think he's actually narrating his own experience without any forethought. Although, of course, the parallels between his father's heart attack and his daughter's birth are masterfully woven together and contrasted.
However, I actually think I prefer Sea Wall. Most likely it's because Alex thinks the way I do, with more metaphysical discussions (like the existence of God) related to physical experiences (like visiting a beach in South France each year). The one makes me think of the other. I interpret physical experiences through a metaphysical lens, maybe, or the metaphysical issues become clear through some physical experience (like seeing a sea wall. Oh, the way Tom Sturridge describes seeing the sea wall!).
Also, I really appreciated how Sea Wall portrayed those who believe in God. Alex doesn't believe in God and even thinks needing to believe in a higher power is sickening. And yet, the way the play describes his father-in-law's belief in God is sensitive and even appealing. It is able to put flesh on different beliefs in characters that are equally flawed but equally sympathetic. This is the power of art, art done well.
All that to say, these stories are both emotionally intense and deal with heavy topics. They also include a good deal of language (more than I'm comfortable with, so they aren't some thing I would listen to frequently—the heaviness of the stories would preclude that anyway). But they are also beautiful and contain truth. It's a wonderful and rare and desperately needed thing these days to hear the stories of men who are self-aware, in touch with their emotions, thoughtful, and who love their families.
More than the strong and beautiful portrayal of masculinity, these stories show what it is to be human, with all the uncertainty and terror and joys and ridiculousness of life and the ever-looming spectre of death and the power of our love for one another. Both performances are phenomenal. Highly recommended for when you're in the right emotional space.
The common preference seems to be the second story, A Life, over Sea Wall. I can understand this—it's a little clearer, less artistic or ambiguous, more relatable to most people's lives. The way Gyllenhaal tells it, you think he's actually narrating his own experience without any forethought. Although, of course, the parallels between his father's heart attack and his daughter's birth are masterfully woven together and contrasted.
However, I actually think I prefer Sea Wall. Most likely it's because Alex thinks the way I do, with more metaphysical discussions (like the existence of God) related to physical experiences (like visiting a beach in South France each year). The one makes me think of the other. I interpret physical experiences through a metaphysical lens, maybe, or the metaphysical issues become clear through some physical experience (like seeing a sea wall. Oh, the way Tom Sturridge describes seeing the sea wall!).
Also, I really appreciated how Sea Wall portrayed those who believe in God. Alex doesn't believe in God and even thinks needing to believe in a higher power is sickening. And yet, the way the play describes his father-in-law's belief in God is sensitive and even appealing. It is able to put flesh on different beliefs in characters that are equally flawed but equally sympathetic. This is the power of art, art done well.
All that to say, these stories are both emotionally intense and deal with heavy topics. They also include a good deal of language (more than I'm comfortable with, so they aren't some thing I would listen to frequently—the heaviness of the stories would preclude that anyway). But they are also beautiful and contain truth. It's a wonderful and rare and desperately needed thing these days to hear the stories of men who are self-aware, in touch with their emotions, thoughtful, and who love their families.
More than the strong and beautiful portrayal of masculinity, these stories show what it is to be human, with all the uncertainty and terror and joys and ridiculousness of life and the ever-looming spectre of death and the power of our love for one another. Both performances are phenomenal. Highly recommended for when you're in the right emotional space.
May 17, 2020
It's okay. Not bad, but also not great in my books. I don't really have anything to say about this. It's not bland or anything, it has great stylistic choices, but it just didn't do it for me. Maybe it will suit someone else perfectly. It's very emotional and personal and I just I didn't relate so hard to the emotions. Sorry.
May 6, 2020
I've never read a book written in this manner. It's two different stand alone stories, each told by a man who is a son, a husband, a father. The way each unfolds his story is jarring and sometimes confusing as the timelines switch quickly, but because of this telling it is raw and powerful and insightful. Beautifully written, beautifully executed, heartbreaking at times, but I am left with the thought that life is so precious.
May 25, 2020
Incredible Performances of this Audible Version
Sturridge was fantastic. Tore me up. I think his was the more powerful tale but he did a beautiful job capturing the attachment of a Father for his Daughter.
Jake portrayed the befuddlement of the expectant Father beautifully and all I can say about that, as a guy who drove up a One-Way Street on the way to the Hospital, is Been there, Done that! Great job!
Sturridge was fantastic. Tore me up. I think his was the more powerful tale but he did a beautiful job capturing the attachment of a Father for his Daughter.
Jake portrayed the befuddlement of the expectant Father beautifully and all I can say about that, as a guy who drove up a One-Way Street on the way to the Hospital, is Been there, Done that! Great job!
June 1, 2020
Devastating, which I was completely unprepared for. The narrators (I now realize, actors in the play) were superb and completely bring both parts of the stories to life. Devastatingly poignant throughout, but the devastation never lets up.
August 19, 2022
Did I originally buy this because Tom Sturridge is reading one part of this? Maybe.
Did I end up borderline crying (and not the happy kind) and sniffling in public because the performances and the monologues were that powerful and I could *feel* the emotion from their voices? Definitely!
Did I end up borderline crying (and not the happy kind) and sniffling in public because the performances and the monologues were that powerful and I could *feel* the emotion from their voices? Definitely!
May 26, 2020
Pros...it was free, narrators are phenomenal, it was short.
Cons...a lot of sad triggers for a two hour listen and the two stories go together about as well as forks and power outlets.
Cons...a lot of sad triggers for a two hour listen and the two stories go together about as well as forks and power outlets.
June 11, 2020
Have your tissues ready! I bawled most of the way through these stories but I really liked them both. They both have pain and sadness but some beautiful parts as well.
October 23, 2020
A gorgeously rendered piece about family, loss and God.
September 26, 2021
Excellent audio book. It will break your heart in such a beautiful way
May 26, 2020
Free on Audible: This is a recording of two different stories tied together because they are both about loss. The first story is devastating, and the performance is so-so. Stay for the second story. It’s better all-around (still sad but more thoughtful), and Jake Gyllenhaal is fantastic.
October 10, 2024
A short monologue dealing with family, loss, and faith.
May 10, 2020
I'll start on a positive note and say that the narrators were great! They were actually the reason I chose this free book from Audible. That's about the only positive. Both stories were depressing. The description of the book was very vague. If I had know, I wouldn't have gotten this book! I didn't care for the writing style either. The character's thoughts were too much back and forth with no transition from one to the other. It just had a weird feel to it that I didn't care for at all.
May 10, 2020
Wow, this is great. Both parts are so beautifully performed but the second one really got to me. This is free on Audible for the month of May, and I’d highly recommend you get it!
May 16, 2020
I'm numb. Flooded with emotion. Raw & intense once again. The story being bounced like a tennis ball from one member back and forth spanning the generational gap from birth to death and tied up into his ultimate frustrating question at the end left me speechless. Likely because I have just recently gone through this myself and it has brought all those feelings rushing up to the surface once again.
This is perhaps one of the most unique books I have read on the cycle of life & death and one's perspective. I knew nothing about the book prior to reading it and am very glad I did. However, had I known, I am not sure I would have given the space my life is at right now. When I finished this book I sat numb, repressed memories swirling around, thoughts ran rampant, tears streaked my checks landing upon my thighs, and I relived part of a time of my life that was the hardest thing I've ever experienced. However, with as difficult as it was, I count myself blessed to be able to have been there for them and would not have changed it if given the choice. I do recommend the book but do caution readers that have had loved ones pass away and are struggling with coping still,... it may not be suitable at this time or simply be cautious and aware.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
This is perhaps one of the most unique books I have read on the cycle of life & death and one's perspective. I knew nothing about the book prior to reading it and am very glad I did. However, had I known, I am not sure I would have given the space my life is at right now. When I finished this book I sat numb, repressed memories swirling around, thoughts ran rampant, tears streaked my checks landing upon my thighs, and I relived part of a time of my life that was the hardest thing I've ever experienced. However, with as difficult as it was, I count myself blessed to be able to have been there for them and would not have changed it if given the choice. I do recommend the book but do caution readers that have had loved ones pass away and are struggling with coping still,... it may not be suitable at this time or simply be cautious and aware.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
May 8, 2020
Well, that was an emotional steamroller...
April 20, 2023
i don't even know how to react.
this is absolutely heartbreaking. i am sat here having to just take a moment to stare into space and process what i've just read because its incredible.
how do i feel so much for these characters who never even speak? who i have only known for 9 pages?
i think it is the love that the characters so clearly have for each other that hurts the most. the moment where the speaker just stares at helen in her blue dress. popping out to buy some yogurt that they love and can only get in france. alex loving cooking for his wife despite being bad at it.
this is what tragedy really is, for me: the destruction of relationships, the collapse of the life they have built, in one single moment.
this is absolutely heartbreaking. i am sat here having to just take a moment to stare into space and process what i've just read because its incredible.
how do i feel so much for these characters who never even speak? who i have only known for 9 pages?
i think it is the love that the characters so clearly have for each other that hurts the most. the moment where the speaker just stares at helen in her blue dress. popping out to buy some yogurt that they love and can only get in france. alex loving cooking for his wife despite being bad at it.
this is what tragedy really is, for me: the destruction of relationships, the collapse of the life they have built, in one single moment.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 335 reviews