‘The Swallowing Dark’ is the Playhouse’s first play to reopen its doors at the Studio Theatre, and it has chosen Lizzie Nunnery’s powerful piece to do it. Set in modern day Liverpool, the tale follows two characters, Martha, an overworked case worker and Canaan, who is desperately trying to seek asylum in this country for himself and his son Nathan, after escaping from his violent past in Zimbabwe. As the story unfolds, we learn how Canaan and his son have ended up in Liverpool, and how Martha is dealing with her own struggles of survival.
As in keeping with a studio setting, space is tight, but it is used effectually. All the action takes place in one room, with just a desk, some chairs and some office paraphernalia. There is lots of clever lighting that not only moves the scenes along, but transports the action back to Canaan’s home land of Zimbabwe where we see some very touching moments played out as memories between him and his wife, Nomsa. There is some imagery used and the wall of the room supplies a very good canvas, helping to lift the action and pace of the story, and making the experience feel more real. As Canaan begins to open up and tells his story, the images that we see build up, and so too does the emotion.
Wil Johnson plays Canaan, and at times his performance is mesmerising. Because the space is so small, the performances are intensified as the intermittency of the space envelopes you. There is nowhere for the actors to hide, and you can see the emotion dripping from these two. Playing alongside Johnson, Allyson Ava-Brown’s performance also delivers. She switches from the character of Martha to Canaan’s wife Nomsa with ease and adapts her accents accordingly, from subtle scouse to strong Zimbabwean.
Nunnery’s lovely storytelling and powerful imagery has managed to capture the times that we live in today. A thought provoking and sometimes violent insight into one person's life and culture, it raises questions as to how we treat other people. This play sits very well in today's multicultural society, and people will be talking about this one for a long time. A brave, daring and intensely strong script.
9/10 A Triumph.
‘The Swallowing Dark’ runs until Saturday 29th October at the Playhouse Studio. Tickets are limited. Please go to www.everymanplayhouse.com for more details.
Cologne Girls Choir to join girl choristers from both Liverpool Cathedrals for unique concert
(Tue 22/05)
Liverpool Music Awards 2012 Launches
(Tue 22/05)
Post a comment