☆★★★★ The Chaos Theory
Robbi Stevens is clearly a very busy, dedicated and talented
person. As producer, writer, film and theatre director of RAaW’s production of The
Chaos Theory, this has been a work of supreme dedication by her and the people
around her. Originally staged in 2010 as 180, the work has undergone 40
rewrites over the last ten months and has emerged from an extensive and exhaustive
research and rehearsal process.
The Chaos Theory ‘takes us on an unsettling, yet riveting
journey, into the underbelly of London and looks at what is hidden behind
closed doors’ and explores with gritty realism the concept of ‘What If?’.
Fantasising about turning back time and changing the outcomes are Becca,
Caroline and Deanna. All ‘caught in a cycle of destructive, unhealthy behaviour
which they realise is damaging those around them, they want to change their
lives’. And examine what might happen if those desires come true?
Exploring issues such as sexual assault, domestic abuse,
poverty, drugs, age and mental health problems, The Chaos Theory is not an easy
watch and is, at times, uncomfortable and seriously challenging. But theatre
should and must be all of these things.
Expertly directed by Robbi Stevens, the play has a decidedly
filmic, multi-dimensional quality, and the intercutting between many different
scenarios is expertly crafted. Special mention must also go to Sam Londt and
Clancy Flynn – music/sound and lighting respectively - who created a
mesmerising adjunct to the look and feel of the entire production.
With a solid ensemble of nine, the level of performance was
excellent. Sam Londt as Aiden was menacingly intimidating. And some of his scenes with Becca, his wife,
played by Shelley-Ann Harrison, were worryingly sinister, verging on deranged but
splendidly realised. Kieran E Sims as Evan and Dad portrayed warmth and care in
both parts and was fascinating to watch.
The Chaos Theory is stylishly challenging with some seriously
squalid, dysfunctional setups and equalling difficult denouements interwoven
into drama at its very best!
PERFORMANCES at THE VAULTS, Leake Street, Waterloo, London SE1 7NN
Tuesday 16th July 7.30pm
Wednesday 17th July 6.00pm & 8.45pm
Thursday 18th July 2.30pm, 6.00pm & 8.45pm
Friday 19th July 7.30pm
Saturday 20th July 8.45pm
Click for TICKETS https://www.thevaults.london/the-chaos-theory-play
General Admission: £20
Concessions: £15
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