Represent Review: Blackbird
Wow, sounds like we have a realtime replacement for our addiction to the 24 series. Thanks to Representah John for the review, in summary: “This one is for the hard core theatre goers – leave Granny at home!”
If you have the mettle for a violent and graphic theatre show, get to Blackbird at the Market Theatre.
Blackbird
Market Theatre – Laager Theatre
13 July – 19 August 2007
Blackbird is a thought provoking and explosive play from acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower. Fifteen years ago, Ray and Una had a relationship, which devastated their lives and the lives of the people around them. Since then Ray has moved on. He has a new life, a new identity. He didn’t think he could be found. Una has thought of little else but finding him and on discovering where Ray is, sets out to find him with shattering consequences. What evolves is a compelling but uncomfortable drama that encapsulates the unresolved, misshapen, emotional mess that might accompany any suddenly interrupted relationship, legal or otherwise.
REPRESENT REVIEW:
We visited the Market theatre on Wednesday evening to witness a play by the acclaimed Scottish playwright David Harrower. The cast was British and I was really looking forward to seeing “Blackbird”. I didn’t know what to expect so I sat back and watched in anticipation.
The stage was littered with trash and half eaten burgers. It looked like a canteen slash pigsty. People were looking through the sand blasted windows of the set creating a weird feeling every time I noticed them.
The lights dimmed and the two main characters appeared. A man, late fifties, and a woman in her late twenties. Both had strong British accents. For fifteen minutes we were totally baffled. We could feel the tension on stage but were at a loss as to what was going on. The man was visibly shaken. The younger woman was constantly attacking him verbally.
Then the bombshell dropped. I’m not going to spoil the plot for you, but suffice to say it was one of the most unexpected twists I’ve ever experienced on a stage. This play is definitely not for the timid or faint of heart. It is an hour and fifteen minutes of a continuous emotional rollercoaster ride.
The language was graphic and some of the physical fight sequences were very disturbing – though some members of the audience had a chuckle. Maybe they are used to more violence than me…
The ending is sad and tragic – but I expected as much after realizing the plot. There are no winners in this story.
This is not a typical night out – or popcorn entertainment. It deals with issues that won’t fit well with someone of a more conservative demeanor. I found the performances strong and realistic – but left the theatre feeling disturbed and shocked.
This one is for the hard core theatre goers – leave Granny at home !
