Last night, I was back with Up in the Cheap Seats (UITCS) for A Playlist for the Revolution, at the Bush Theatre. First though, back to the lettings agent to get yet another set of keys, in the hope these will work - haven't yet had a chance to schlep down there to check. The lettings agent's office is, in itself, a schlep - not an insignificant trip across town!
By the time I got done there, there was about enough time to eat, then head to the theatre. I couldn't see anywhere I fancied eating out in the direction of the lettings office, in Stepney Green, nor much around the theatre - so I decided to break my journey at The Lucas Arms. Not much longer that'll be an option.. after that, the only reasonable choice was Tube, to get to the theatre in time. Sadly, no papers available to read on my journey - they weren't quite out yet. I'll say this, it's dead handy to get to the theatre from the station - a sign at the exit tells you which direction to turn in, and it's right across the road! I got a drink and searched for the others, finding them in the "library" at the back. It was nice to be able to unload to them - and when it was time, we went in, me having to switch my drink to a plastic container. Funnily enough, even though we'd all got "Count Me In" tickets - cheaper, but you don't find out your actual seat until the day - we turned out to be all sat together!
An interesting set design sees a whole pile of blocks around the central stage area. They kind of resemble buildings, so could be taken for the skyline of Hong Kong, where this is set - however, they also act as storage boxes for props, and can be removed, to act as props themselves! The story starts with a meeting between a native Hong Kong-er, a conservative young man, into playing the piano - and a kooky young woman, of Hong Kong extraction, but living in the UK, who has taken some time out to visit Hong Kong and explore her roots. Both are students - he, of economics, she, of law. They meet at a nightclub, and there's an instant attraction - but she's on the point of going back. Still, they exchange numbers - and bond over their shared love of music (albeit different kinds).
Back in the UK, she's fascinated by the Hong Kong revolution - he hasn't the heart to tell her he's not involved. And they start to collaborate on a "playlist for the revolution" - he with the help of a cleaner at the university he attends, who's big into protesting. This actor, by the way, pretty much stole the show, in the opinion of someone sitting near us - and I agree. Meantime - I was fascinated that the play went in this direction; I guess I hadn't thought long enough about the title: but certainly, the latter part of the play is all about the revolution.
This revolution is something I've had a longtime interest in - the last time I came across anything about it though was over a year ago, with the memorable film, Revolution of our Times. It's such a titanic struggle - and ultimately, a pretty hopeless one. Very well depicted here, with only two actors and limited props - but some clever lighting - as our Hong Kong student finds himself inspired to join the cause at last. An excellent production, which flashes up the Hong Kong skyline on the back wall, after the interval:
A message displayed at the end offers anyone who needs it the chance to stay in the theatre for up to 15 minutes afterwards. Very sensitively done - recommended. Runs till the 5th of next month.
No comments:
Post a Comment