The Just by Albert Camus (1913 - 1960) tells the true story of the assassination of Grand Duke Sergei Alexandrovich in what was the beginning of the Russian Revolution. It is a vehicle for a moral debate – whether making a gesture of ridding the regime of one of its tyrannical rulers is justified, or whether it is simply murder. The play opens with a stark, red backdrop and a man and a woman pacing in turn-of-the century dress.

A group of terrorists - The Just - argue the benefits of such an action while preparing to strike. The would-be killer - protagonist Ivan 'Yanek' Kaliayev - changes his mind at the last minute. When he succeeds on the second attempt, he is imprisoned. He defends his actions to the Grand Duke' s widow, and refuses her offer of his life in exchange for betraying his comrades.

The remaining members of the revolutionary group again discuss the merits of building a better tomorrow for future generations at their own expense. After Yanek is executed, his former lover - Dora Doulebov - abandons nostalgia for her earlier life for resolution. She offers to carry out the next assassination.

The play is not an uplifting one. It was written in 1949 against a backdrop of the Second World War (1939-1945) and the brutality of Stalin's Russia. But there is a great empathy with each of the characters, striving to change their world. Though they initially relish the prospect of killing a man who represents everything they hate, they later show their human side and prove it is not so easy to detach from their actions.

Alinka Wright is eminently watchable as Dora. Her journey, through playfulness and affection for her fellow conspirators, to heart-wrenching despair over Yanek's death, is entirely believable. James Sobol Kelly also stands out as damaged, dangerous Stepan, a fictional member of the group seeking revenge after being tortured by the secret police. Andrew James Storey, as the group's leader Boria Annenkov, shows a shocking, ugly side to his otherwise controlled character. Tim Daish as Yanek evokes pathos as he reminisces of his old life with Dora, and later awaits death.

There is an intelligent set, designed by J William Davis and Claire Sutherland, with two walls of red wooden panelling that open up to reveal windows, shrines and caches. A somewhat over-wordy programme gives the biography of Camus, an explanation of the play, and a history of Russia in the 19th and early 20th century. It is not entirely necessary - a few lines would suffice. The play speaks for itself.

Cast Credits: (alpha order): Tim Daish - Ivan 'Yanek' Kaliayev. Jason Denyer - Skouratov. Dan Horrigan - Foka. Tomos James - Alexei Voinov. James Sobol Kelly - Stepan Fedorov. Andrew James Storey - Boria Annenkov. Tessa Wood - Grand Duchess Elizabeth Fyodorovna. Alinka Wright - Dora Doulebov.

Company Credits: Writer - Albert Camus (1913 - 1960). Adapted by - Benjamin Polya. Director - Dan Horrigan. Original Score - Mike Jennings. Designers - J William Davis & Claire Sutherland (www.jwilliamdavis.com/). Lighting Designer - Phil Spencer-Hunter (www.pshdesigns.co.uk/). Sound Design - Andre Marmot. Movement Director - Tim Lenkiewicz. Stage Managers - Maria Balantinou & Sean Salinas. Producer - Tim Daish. Company - Secret Centre Theatre.

END

(c) Bo Wilson 2007

reviewed Tuesday 16 October 07 / White Bear

Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2008