EDINBURGH 2016 - BWW Reviews: 2044, Greenside @ Infirmary Street, 13 August
Set in a dystopian future where English refugees have flocked to an independent Scotland, 2044's concept created expectations of a focus on UK politics. Instead, it neatly drew parallels with the rise of Donald Trump in America, and resulting issues of racism and the dangers of national exceptionalism.
In the play, three English refugees - Hayden, Maria and Jasper - live together in a refugee camp outside a Scottish city, trying to survive an unforgiving system and to conceal secrets that threaten their safety and their lives.
Russell Dudley offered the strongest performance in the dual roles of the narrator and Hayden, though the latter part felt underwritten. He carried the lion's share of the exposition through a series of monologues, engaging the audience with a rather ironic tone that highlighted the parallels to contemporary political events.
Touches of humour were very welcome when they were sprinkled in. A scene where Jasper (Ciaran Drysder) tries to impress romantic interest Maria (Megan Matheson-Adams) by cooking a dinner of plain pasta was amusing, despite the somewhat grim subject matter.
While the concept was interesting to explore, the play lost impact as it moved towards its resolution. Without wishing to spoil the reveals, characters took decisions that seemed unrealistic, to the point of being outright callous to each other, while other decisions did not have sufficient motivation made clear to the audience.
Overall, the piece had engaging moments and offered effective commentary on topical issues, but was somewhat derailed by a poor conclusion.
2044 is at Greenside @ Infirmary Street from August 15-20 at 11:30.
Reader Reviews
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