I hope this postcard finds you well. Monday night (9th February) saw Bolton's Octagon Theatre open it's doors to SBC's psychological thriller 'Inside'.
Previewing at The Lowry (Salford) and Theatre 503 (London) before finding critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, 'Inside' is primarily a story of hope, escape and innocence. Both written and performed by Rosie MacPherson 'Inside' explores a victim's conflicting experiences with Stockholm syndrome who is desperate to keep hope. Stockholm syndrome is a psychological phenomenon which sees a hostage express empathy, sympathy or even positive feelings towards their kidnapper.
MacPherson performs alone in a monologue manifested with harrowing realism. It is clear that a great amount of research has gone into her performance allowing her to craft a character riddled with such complexity that makes for a truly exceptional character study. Never leaving her character you enter and take your seats as she sleeps in front of you, you leave as she gazes at the blank camera screen. Her dedication to her character should be applauded.
I was particularly impressed with the narrative of the monologue, instead of presenting the victim's situation explicitly to the audience, fragments of information slowly bleed from the victim's delirious mind keeping audience members hooked. With this in mind I was surprised to discover that 'Inside' is Director Ed Lilly's theatre debut - his success with work such as 'The Hive' has clearly stood him in good stead to pursue other creative projects.
The Octagon's Studio performance space was perfect for the production, if situated in a larger theatre the intensity of the performance would have been diluted. Being in such a small audience made for a bigger impact, making spectators feel as if they were intruders prying into a child's lucid mind. The set was just as gritty and real as MacPherson's character, a mere shell, just like it's inhabitant. The performance was choreographed to sound effects which added to the realism of the piece, making for a very chilling experience.
What was most effective about MacPherson's performance were the fragments of personality that would expose themselves for only a brief moment. Mere echoes of her old self. Taken as a child, MacPherson does a superb job of portraying a much older victim trapped in a premature childhood. Having survived twelve years of both physical and mental abuse our victim escapes to her childhood, recording video messages to her Mum. Things such as cartwheels and writing with felt tip pen in a diary reiterate the innocence of the character. A pivotal aspect for audience members is the victim's excitement and obsession with her school disco, a chapter of her life she never got to experience. However, the most heartbreaking aspect is the fact that we never discover the victim's name.
With a sensitive yet brutal performance Rosie MacPherson is a true force to be reckoned with. Based on true events 'Inside' is raw and powerful with a truly chilling ending. A show not to be missed.
.jpg)
INSIDE - UK TOUR 2015
The Garage, Norwich - Friday 13th February
Bike Shed, Exeter - Monday 16th February
Theatre Delicatessen, Sheffield - Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February
You can find more information about 'Inside' here.
Elise
What was most effective about MacPherson's performance were the fragments of personality that would expose themselves for only a brief moment. Mere echoes of her old self. Taken as a child, MacPherson does a superb job of portraying a much older victim trapped in a premature childhood. Having survived twelve years of both physical and mental abuse our victim escapes to her childhood, recording video messages to her Mum. Things such as cartwheels and writing with felt tip pen in a diary reiterate the innocence of the character. A pivotal aspect for audience members is the victim's excitement and obsession with her school disco, a chapter of her life she never got to experience. However, the most heartbreaking aspect is the fact that we never discover the victim's name.
With a sensitive yet brutal performance Rosie MacPherson is a true force to be reckoned with. Based on true events 'Inside' is raw and powerful with a truly chilling ending. A show not to be missed.
INSIDE - UK TOUR 2015
The Garage, Norwich - Friday 13th February
Bike Shed, Exeter - Monday 16th February
Theatre Delicatessen, Sheffield - Saturday 21st and Sunday 22nd February
You can find more information about 'Inside' here.
Elise
No comments:
Post a Comment