Set against the ever-present threat and reality of what, somewhat euphemistically or perhaps optimistically have been coined, The Troubles, this one-woman play (about 50 minutes through, no interval) tackles a very personal relationship with the sectarian violence of 1969 Belfast.
The young actress playing Eve (adult actress obviously playing a juvenile) was engaging and easy to watch, and we were transported to this world with ease. We understood her situation and we were able to sympathise with her. In a series of flashbacks, she takes us through 'her' Belfast and the family and people of her world, creating the characters from the detritus of a slum and bombed-out city, and creating the voices for them herself. The only voice she doesn't attempt is that of an acquaintance she meets in the local pub and immediately falls in love with him. The love, we find out, is somewhat misguided, and the play does continue on a downward trajectory throughout. Despite the many pseudo-comedic moments to lighten the tension (these either coming from the writing or the direction) the play doesn't pull any of the major punches and we see, first hand so to speak, the destruction of lives and communities that this 'war' caused. In fact, the play starts fairly conventionally and in 'happy mode' as Eve describes her Belfast with affection. The tall, dark, handsome stranger in the pub however is when things take a turn for the worse. Although, Eve has known and seen heartbreak and death before, even within her own family, it is this 'chance' meeting that is the catalyst for the play's downward spiral.
The set made full use of the small space and created height by use of scaffolding, whilst lighting and sound were both good throughout, and the costuming was apt.
The play was written by Kelsea Knox and directed by Frankie Lipman. The one slightly odd part of this play for me was that Eve referred to and acknowledged us, the audience, knowing she was playing a role and was telling her story to us. I think, in all subjectivity, the play would have worked better with a larger cast (it seemed to be crying out for this!) and to bring the fourth wall firmly down. However, the play was still interesting and worthwhile.
53two, Manchester –
Reviewer - Alastair Zyggu
On - 16.4.26
