Derived from that ever-impressive mind of writer Andrew O’Hagan, The Ballad Of Truman Capote endeavours to understand the inner workings of a complex 20th-century thinker. Set in a swanky suite in New York's Plaza Hotel in 1966, Capote (Patrick Moy), steps out of the star-studded party he is in the midst of hosting to catch his breath, and proceeds to spend the next hour alone in his room, thinking out loud about fame, politics, death . . . and everything in between.

Delivered in an hour-long monologue, O’Hagan’s one-man play is crammed with insightful musings about the notion of celebrity, the majority of which are as relevant now as they would have been in the 60s. This melancholy sermon acts as a rather apt representation of the cloud of existentialism that appeared to have plagued the troubled writer throughout his tumultuous career. 

Though the character is initially somewhat jarring, Moy’s embodiment of Capote proves to be exceptional, portraying accurately his flamboyant movements and perturbingly piercing, child-like voice. Whether you have studied Capote’s work extensively or haven’t so much as watched a minute of Breakfast At Tiffany’s, you could do a lot worse than spending an hour tuning into this impressive piece of theatre.  

The Ballad Of Truman Capote, theSpace @ Niddry St, until 26 August, 18.05pm.