Theatre Uncut is a unique opportunity for anyone, anywhere across the world, to perform a rights-free production of politically charged new plays from leading playwrights. Now in its fourth year, the programme has been performed by over 3,000 people in 17 countries across four continents and contributing writers have included Mark Ravenhill, Lucy Kirkwood and Neil LaBute. It’s a way for anyone, from schools and universities to amateur dramatics societies and professional companies, to engage with works that address important issues.
Director Hannah Price is co-artistic director of Theatre Uncut (alongside Emma Callander) and she has put together this flagship performance of this year’s five short plays which will tour the UK over the next month. The plays this year consist of: The Finger of God by Anders Lustgarten, PACHAMAMA by Clara Brennan, Reset Everything by Inua Ellams, The Most Horrific by Vivienne Franzmann and Ira Provitt and the Man by Hayley Squires. The theme that links the plays is the phrase: ‘Knowledge is Power. Knowledge is Change.’
This is a dense, murky view of politics and the tone remains slightly sour with little faith in humanity in the show. The plays are almost all highly stylized however, which allows room for some devilishly pointed satire. Brennan’s play is a particular standout as an overwhelming flow of zesty words and phrases create a bizarre soundscape reminiscent of flicking channels, as the younger generation of a family comes out at odds with the older. The four actors are all given an opportunity to shine throughout the production with Faith Alabi a particular standout in Franzmann’s take on a stand-up comedienne with a routine lacking in “funny haha” jokes.
Price has created a solid, well paced production which is the perfect platform to showcase the writers’ works as well as advertise Theatre Uncut itself. Whilst it is unable to cover up the slightly unpleasant tone of the writing it does have the power to instigate debate and will provide much food for thought.