Sunday 23 August 2020

ONLINE THEATRE REVIEW: A Short Film About Theatre And Class - The Lockdown Theatre Company


Jan Goodman, clearly at home with Rohan Candappa's script, takes us on a journey of working class theatre from the standpoint that "Look Back In Anger" by John Osbourne (1956) was the play that changed everything about theatre and class in this country. And then goes on to show us that actually that isn't true, saying that theatre is far more exclusive now than it was then.

This is Candappa's own Agitprop monologue, obviously his own thoughts about class in theatre, and it will, undobtedly resonate with many. It has to be argued though, that this monologue is very opinionated and shows only one side of the coin.

The filming of the monologue was visually satisfying as we move from location to location, befitting the lines of the script. It's interestingly and intelligently delivered, although a certain background knowledge of aspects and people mentioned, especially Christopher Eccleston and Benedict Cumberbach, is neceesary for full understanding of the arguments raised.

One of Candappa's best lines so far comes from this monologue: "It's always easier to look through a window, than look in a mirror."

Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 22/8/20

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