Simon Stephens (Pornography) opens the new Play, Pie and Pint season, with his subtle exploration of our relationship to what we perceive as natural and how we identify ourselves within a consumerist society. With a soft and caressing humour, Stephens confronts our past, our attitude to the future and how little we think about our disposable culture where we accept the myths the government dispenses about our impact on the planet, i.e. where our coffee cups end up.

The stirring performances govern the action

Set in an airport departure lounge, Sean (Robert Jack) is leaving for Turin without telling his family and abandoning his job in picturesque North Berwick. Kyle (Sean Scanlan), on seeing Sean litter, uses this as an opening to engage in discussions about the state of the West, the repetition of our mistakes and how our civilisation is founded on rape and confusion. Director Dominic Hill keeps it simple, allowing the stirring performances to govern the action. By presenting us with the private fears of Sean and the public disorders of a nation with focus on the pitfalls of capitalist culture, Stephens explores and deconstructs personal and social identity. Finally, we’re left with the idea that we’re largely unsuccessful in affixing meaning to the past and understanding its connection to the present and how to evolve we must re-establish that bond.

Showing @traverse until Sat 6 March 13:00, tix £10 (include pie and pint)