The audience become a court jury for the duration of this hard-hitting and demanding piece. For 25 minutes Michael Steele, lone performer, presents to us his predicament – accused of murdering a child, he audaciously investigates the struggle of self-defence, the complexity of making sound judgments, and the grim details of a number of murders. It’s a challenging debate, frankly approached by the confident and captivating performer. Steele’s monologue grows with a carefully controlled emotional intensity, reaching an uncomfortable and distressing climax as he narrates the circumstance of the murder, while the audience squirm visibly in disgust. At points this might be too much for some, but it’s a thought provoking and skilfully administered piece.

theSpaces at Surgeons Hall, 15 – 27 Aug (not 21), 9.45pm (10.10pm) £4.00 – £6.00, fpp307.
tw rating 4/5
[ru]

Sections: by Rohanne Udall - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 4/5 | Tags: Space Venues, Up In Smoke Theatre Co

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