☆★★★★ Eigengrau
The meaning of the word Eigengrau in the title of Penelope Skinner's play is the colour seen by the eye in perfect darkness. This has some relevance but is not crucial information as the story begins to unfold.
Quoting the
brief synopsis, ‘this is a play about London. About being lost in urban chaos.
About a struggle to find meaning in a world of random encounters and
connections'. Featuring four quintessential millennials – feminist activist
researching and writing about rape, unemployed dipsy aspiring karaoke singer,
overweight fast-food server dealing with personal grief and a one-dimensional,
but well-paid, marketing man. And all of whom become intrinsically linked.
Skinner writes with high pace and covers many scenarios that create a
multi-dimensional dynamic between the four characters. On a day-to-day level,
their desperation for a relationship, the mundane yet eternal problem of money,
and simply paying the rent, inherent mental health issues and the predatory and
destructive nature of friendships.
Georgie
Staight directs with smart clarity and manages with deft ease the intricacies
and nuances in the layered plot. Bex Kemp's clever and practical series of
boxes manage to convey the many locations with simplicity and clarity.
Ultimately,
Eigengrau enjoys some solid and neat performances from an excellent ensemble.
Isabel Della-Porta as Cassie, the feminist, has incredible strength in her
thoughts and conviction until such times as she is ‘seduced' by Mark, the
Chiswick cad, credible and convincingly played by George Fletcher. Not the most
appealing of characters but the dynamic with Callum Sharp as flatmate Tim is
fascinating to watch as his issues are slowly revealed. Katie Buchholtz as Rose
is a worryingly convincing fantasist and an uncomfortable predator in her
pursuit of Mark. Many situations made for awkward viewing but ultimately add to
the strength of the story, the powerful performances and crucial denouement of
the piece.
While
Eigengrau has, at times, difficult issues to deal with, it is also amusing with
some excellently observed situations. And all with potent, original
characterisations from a spot-on and highly tuned company.
Show Times:
Tues - Sat 7.30pm Sun 4pm
Sat Matinee Sept 21 at 3pm
Running time approx. 110 mins with an interval
Tickets: Tues - Sat 7.30pm Sun 4pm
Sat Matinee Sept 21 at 3pm
Running time approx. 110 mins with an interval
£15 Full / £12.50 Concession
For tickets, click here: https://waterlooeast.ticketsolve.com/shows/873606223
Allocated seating. Strictly No Latecomers Admitted.
16+ - strong language and scenes of a sexually
explicit nature.
NO PERFORMANCES ON MONDAY 16 or WEDNESDAY 18 SEPT
SUNDAY 15 Sept at 4pm
This performance will be delivered at a slower pace for those learning English as a foreign language. Running time approx. 140 minutes with an interval.
NO PERFORMANCES ON MONDAY 16 or WEDNESDAY 18 SEPT
SUNDAY 15 Sept at 4pm
This performance will be delivered at a slower pace for those learning English as a foreign language. Running time approx. 140 minutes with an interval.
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