This one’s a conversation starter.
It’s a truism that our response to a play is based on our personal taste. But it’s often assumed that our taste in theatre is similar to (say) our preference for a particular flavour of ice cream. It’s thought to be an almost physical response, beyond our control. Like sexual orientation.
I constantly argue that it’s not. Our taste in theatre is based (enormously, though not entirely) on assumptions I would class as political, and therefore assumptions which can be, and should be, questioned.
Pic Katy Green Loughrey
Despite being billed as a comedy, Robert Allan’s play is a passionate exploration of a controversial and crucial issue. This highly intriguing play explores the concept of victimhood.
My political assumptions about seeing oneself as a victim could be stated in this way:
- What we can give up does us good.
- What is taken away from us does us harm.
Do my ideas align with those presented by the play? On the balance, I would say no.
Director Julie Baz draws some good performances from her cast. (I particularly enjoyed Carla Nirella’s portrayal of a woman navigating issues of loyalty and morality.)
This is confronting new work. As it should be.
Do see it, and be prepared for some lively post show discussion.
Veronica Kaye
An Ordinary Person by Robert Allan
Old Fitz til 16 Nov
Theatre Red 
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