Showing @ Summerhall, Edinburgh until Sun 24 Aug (not 11) @ 19:45
The rise of the SDL and far right politics in Scotland is the centre of Blood Orange. We are taken to the bars and clubs of rural Scotland, where young, angry and impressionable men and women look to forget the turmoil of their lives. The story focuses on Zander and the anger behind his mother’s death. He blames the rise of ethic minorities in the area for the cause of her unhappiness. This triggers a series of events that have dark and serious consequences.
Blood Orange is performed by a young, talented and enthusiastic cast who never miss a beat throughout. Their ability to embody the characters and give a physical and emotional performance certainly adds to the enjoyment. However certain turns of phrase in the script remove some of the delicacy and poignancy that is on display. The constant referral to a ‘fat girl’ feels distracting at times and places emphasis on the ignorance of youth, as opposed the ignorance of the far right political groups who are the real villains in the piece.
Blood Orange is a valiant piece of physical theatre that is bold in its tone and delivery, and the explosive ending is a fitting conclusion to a serious performance that has heart and integrity.