“I Remain” is a one act play written and directed by Parissa Zamanpour. The play focuses on bringing the past and the present together as one. The play is based on the real-life letters of world war one soldier Harry Hayes of the Manchester Regiment.
The play highlights themes of loneliness, love and the fragility of mental health.
“I Remain” primarily focuses on Will, the great great grandson of the deceased Harry Hayes, who is down-on-his-luck and is trying to navigate the lonely life he leads. Played by Callum Jones, Will is angry at the world and is seen spiralling out of control. Currently staying with his grandmother Ada, played by Julia Lacey, the two share a dysfunctional family dynamic at times but there are plenty of humorous moments between the pair.
Despite Will’s constant berating of his grandmother, Ada isn’t afraid to take him down a peg or two. Lacey’s performance as Ada is wonderful and captures the desperation of wanting her grandson to succeed in life “the paper boy earns more than you and he’s 10”. The back and forth between Ada and Will was hilarious at times as Will stumbles upon an old bra in one of the boxes “What’s this?”/ “You used to dance in that when you were younger”.
The setting up of the stage was perfect and allowed each actor to be seen and primarily focused on rather than focusing on an over decorated set.
I loved the moment when Will stumbled upon the box of letters written by Harry. Both actors shared the stage which allowed the audience to see both the past and the present come to life in front of their very own eyes.
Harry, played by Adam Perrott, captured the soul of the loving father and hardworking soldier, yearning to be back with his family. “Make me strong William… I remain your loving father” Perrott showed a sincerity and kindness which contrasted greatly with the anger and sadness shown by Will.
Jones's performance as Will was great and allowed the audience to see the vulnerability rather than just anger of the teenage boy. Further on in the play, the theme of brokenness and mental health is thoroughly explored, Harry who seems to always reassure his family in his letters seems to waver and highlights the reality of the war “Same three things: Blood, mud and death”. Both Harry and Will share this moment of restlessness, Harry who is suffering see his fellow men fall down one by one “Bullets after bullets…bang bang bang” Will who confronts his grandmother about his whereabouts “Where do you think I’ve been gran?... He doesn’t want me…” The yearning on Will’s face was perfectly portrayed by Jones and really captured my attention. The yearning for this absent father figure really pulled at the audience’s heartstrings.
The fragility of mental health is shown as Will finds himself alone centre stage in one part of the play “I feel like I’m not here… I look at my feet to make sure they are still touching the ground”.
The realities of mental health are hard hitting in this amazing play by Zamanpour, not only will the performances make you laugh. They will also pull at your heartstrings and think of loved ones who are no longer here.
Reviewer - Rhiann Millington
on - 25.9.21
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