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Latest items? Unedited? Fringe Report Uncut
S-27
Verdict: Chilling reminder
S-27 is a one-act play set in an unnamed totalitarian state. It tells the story of May, whose job is to photograph those individuals who are being 'processed' at the S-27 institution. It is a death camp, and every time May instructs her subject to 'go out of that door', all become complicit.
May's photographic subjects appear before her. Through their anger, fear or acceptance, they help communicate the depravity of a society ruled by fear, whose philosophy is to kill at the slightest provocation.
It is not a comfortable experience, and writer Sarah Grochala piles on pressure as young and old, friends and family alike appear. A mother tries to save her baby by denying it is hers; a cousin appeals to May to be saved, but cannot be. Finally, the appearance of May's lover is the spur which leads her to a desperate attempt at freedom.
Pippa Nixon is an edgy and confused May. Her performance unifies the production, though there are many good cameos by other members of the cast. Designer Olivia Altaras provides a suitably shabby and depressing set, down to unshaded lights hanging over the audience.
The play shows the depths of horror to which humans can sink in an unrestrained political environment, a society lost in terror - a chilling reminder of how easily the freedoms of free societies can be ignored. It may be stonger when the horror is recounted by the characters, rather than portrayed on the stage. Nevertheless, S-27 remains a disturbing and challenging experience.
Cast Credits: (alpha order): Brooke Kinsella - June. Pippa Nixon - May. Jack Pierce - Man. Tom Reed - Col. Amelia Saberwal - Mother/Cousin. Kate Ward - Boy / Girl.
Company Credits: Writer - Sarah Grochala. Director - Stephen Keyworth. Designer - Olivia Altaras. Lighting Designer - Gary Bowman. Sound Design - David Gregory. Technical Operator - uncredited. Production Electrician - Chris Gunnell. Fight Director - Lewis Penfold. Assistant Director - Eleanor Rhode. Stage Manager - Dan Cloake. Casting - Ri McDaid-Wren. Press - Jenny Eldridge (Target Live). Producer - Sarah Hudson. Company - Lifeboat in association with Widsith. Finborough Theatre: Artistic Director - Neil McPherson
END
(c) Michael Spring 2009
reviewed Friday 12 June 2009 / Finborough Theatre, London UK
Fringe Report (c) Fringe Report 2002-2012