ED2011 4/5 Reviews ED2011 Theatre Reviews

Darkness (Lakeside Theatre / University Of Essex / Escalator East To Edinburgh)

By | Published on Friday 12 August 2011

This intricate, fast-paced piece explores the nature of sacrifice and the boundary between faith and madness, ultimately leaving the audience with a set unanswered questions. Tensions simmer as a family gathers to celebrate Ascension Day on a remote hillside, their motivations and relationships are at times ambiguous and contradictory, as exasperation fuels sexual desire and violence is justified as spiritual guidance. Potential weapons and cringingly provocative comments stack up with improbable speed. Whilst this stoking of suspense feels unsubtle at times, it is certainly effective, and the characters’ myriad complexities and alienating unpredictability make any outcome seem possible. As a result, the dénouement leaves a deep sense of unease, more troubling, thought provoking and lingering than any desired catharsis.

Zoo Roxy, 5 – 29 (not 15, 22), 3.30pm (4.55pm), £8.00 – £10.00, fpp253.
tw rating 4/5
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