Theatre Uncut at the Clurman Theatre A Program of Short Plays Reviewed by David Roberts Theatre Reviews Limited
Theatre Uncut is a United Kingdom based activist theater group that was established in 2011 to encourage people to think, talk and take action on injustices that they see happening in the world around them. In 2012, the group asked playwrights from Greece, Syria, Spain, the United States, Iceland and the United Kingdom to pen short dramatic responses to the political and economic challenges facing their own countries. These plays premiered at the 2012 Edinburgh Festival Fringe. “Theatre Uncut” in New York features the New York premieres of a selection of these plays that look at how the everyday person deals with the state of global capitalism, the effects of austerity, the Eurozone Crisis and the Occupy movement. Audiences are invited to join in a dialogue about the issues raised by the plays at the end of each performance.
In “The Breakout” by Anders Lustgarten (UK), directed by Emily Reutinger, two prison inmates contemplate escaping to the outside after a portion of the wall of their cell suddenly breaks open. Ali Ewoldt and Jessika Williams play Lou and Ama respectively and both actors are convincing in their examination of the cost of freedom versus the cost of confinement. The prison serves as a suitable metaphor for humanity’s acceptance of political and societal oppression and the play is an apt introduction to the remaining five shorts.
As cuts force the closure of libraries across the UK, “Spine” by Clara Brennan (UK) considers the high cost for future generations without the benefit of books. Directed by Cressida Brown, this short charmer features Robyn Kerr as a young Amy who enters the world of an older woman, a recluse who opens Amy’s world to the importance of knowledge and caring. Ms. Kerr plays Amy and the voice and character of the older woman. Ms. Brennan’s concern about library closures is relevant and challenging and cleverly counterpoints the acquisition of knowledge with the capacity for caring.
Absurdist themes abound in “The Price” by Lena Kitsopoulou (Greece), directed by Cressida Brown. This searing Greek comedy is set in a world of extreme austerity where absolutely everything has its price. Carter Gill and Shannon Sullivan portray a Man and a Woman considering what they really need in the supermarket when they barely have enough money to survive. They conclude that the only baby they can afford is a lifeless one which will not even scan at the checkout because it has been opened and returned. The couple wonders whether they will live in poverty or in squalor.
Cressida Brown directs “The Birth of My Violence” by Marco Canale (Spain). Brown’s terse treatment of apathy in the face of political violence is a powerful examination of the role of protest in the survival of the human species. Tyler Moss gives the audience a dynamic performance as the writer who wonders why theatre has lost its ability to counter systems that “organize to destroy us.”
As Occupy Movements spring up across the globe, Neil LaBute’s (US), “In the Beginning” questions our passion for holding on to what we believe in. Directed by Emily Reutinger, Gia Crovatin and Victor Slezak portray an activist Boston daughter and her conservative father who bicker over the daughter’s need for money to continue her passion for the Occupy movement in New York City. LaBute’s signature dialogue draws the audience into this world of moral ambiguity and clash of values.
The Tunisian graduate Mohammed Bouazizi sold fruit and vegetables illegally in Sidi Bouzid because he could not find a job and immolated himself in 2011 after authorities confiscated his wares because he did not hold the proper permit. “Fragile” by David Grieg (UK), directed by Catrin Evans, uses this event to highlight the danger of cutting back on mental health facilities in the UK (and globally). Jack, played brilliantly by Brian Hastert, breaks into his caseworker’s home to seek her help after his center’s days of operation have been cut back. Jack and his group members Eddie and Mrs. B. face an uncertain future if their center closes and the group has to find its way to a different center which will be available only once a week. The audience plays the role of Carolyn the caseworker, reading her lines from a screen. This technique effectively engages the audience in Jack’s dilemma and decision to immolate himself like Mohammed Bouazizi.
Kudos to the playwrights, directors, and actors of Theatre Uncut who give of their time and talents and bring important issues of global survival to the stage worldwide. If only they could spend more time with us here in New York City.
THEATER UNCUT
Performances of THEATRE UNCUT run for a limited engagement through Sunday, February 3 at The Clurman Theatre on Theatre Row (410 West 42nd Street, between 9th and 10th Avenues). The performance schedule is Tuesday at 7 PM; Wednesday – Friday at 8 PM; Saturday at 2 PM and 8PM; Sunday at 3 PM. Tickets are $18 ($15 for students) with net proceeds going to charity. For tickets, call Telecharge at 212-239-6200 or online at www.telecharge.com.
Permalink | Posted by David Roberts on Saturday, February 2, 2013
CEOExpress
