Showing @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh, until Sat 19 Feb @ 13:00 £12 (incl. pie & pint)
Opening the Play, Pie and a Pint season at the Traverse Theatre, is Rodolpho Santana’s The Company Will Overlook a Moment of Madness. A collaboration between the Traverse, Òran Mór and National Theatre of Scotland, Morna Pearson’s adaptation brings the exploitative and oppressive nature of corporations from Venezuela to the working class of Scotland. Doctor Garcia (Jo Freer) is the company psychologist asked to assess Orlando’s (Lewis Howden) fitness from work. A thorough examination leads to startling revelations.
Freer’s comically efficient Garcia contrasts with Howden’s tragic character. At times this can feel uncomfortable, but it slowly develops into a strange and compelling relationship: as Garcia tries to heal Orlando, it becomes clear that she is trying to pacify a more damaging revolt. The play relies heavily on this relationship to convey the manipulation and bribery used by corporations on the individual in order to gain power and control; capitalism is a state of mind. To increase share prices, companies will ruthlessly exploit those who cannot afford to refuse. High levels of unemployment in Britain are forcing many to take jobs which they are overqualified and underpaid for. Pearson’s adaptation offers no solution but does recognise that change is possible. If we don’t speak out, we are as much to blame for our situation as those who enforce it upon us.