Showing @ Summerhall @ Roundabout, Edinburgh until Sat 23 Aug (not 14, 17, 18, 20, 22) @ times vary
Most people admonish the actions of modern-day pirates but very few have the guts to assist their victims. After Somali pirates take a British couple hostage, a Somali-born London-based taxi driver is persuaded by his son to negotiate for their release.
Set in the sparse but atmospheric Paines Plough Roundabout, the show takes place in the round. There are zero props and only slight lighting changes. This unadulterated stage, peered at from above on all sides, puts a huge focus on the three orbiting actors. With their bodies as the only canvas, the unpretentiousness of their performances gives the production a naturalistic atmosphere – in keeping with the taxi driver’s everyday hero status. While Alexandra Wood’s script is loaded with clever and thought-provoking dialogue, it’s also clear enough to prevent any confusion as to a scene’s context – particularly impressive as two of the trio multi-role.
There’re obvious themes of race and poverty, and Wood touches on them with a wry flair that is comical but doesn’t belittle their severity. However, it is the many guises of aid and the motivations for it, that come across most strongly. Our protagonist sends money back to his family in Somalia but they’re not grateful for it, but when he rescues the twosome and they wish to shower him in gratitude, he’s reluctant to receive it. This is a complex show that finds power in its simple execution, demonstrating the potential of quality storytelling.