| 14 August 2011
Reading the background information to The Observatory, one senses that Daniel Fexsmith’s debut play has all the potential to make a real statement amidst the sea of non-committal mainstream plays on the Fringe. This production is plugged as his interrogation of the morality of conflict and the corruption of justice through a military frame, directly inspired by the Siege of Sangin in Helmand Province and the recent conspiracy to cover-up torture and murder carried out by British troops in Iraq. Ready to take a knock sideways from this hard-hitting drama, one is disappointed to find its impact is more like a poke in the ribs than a mind-blowing ethical onslaught. The use of kitted-up characters to flank the stage, and the singing of army songs during set changes creates a strong army mentality on stage that is palpably felt by the audience. But this atmosphere is neither supported by nor continued through the body of the play.
The acting is the most disappointing factor. While some characters carry off their roles with credibility and assurance, the critical figures of Beaumont and Finch seem unsure of how to act their parts. The result is that their performances are unconvincing and their characters underdeveloped. The script is another mixed bag, with moments of precision and bite being lamentably undermined by weak and clichéd dialogue.
The Observatory, Underbelly, 4-28 August (except 17th), 12.40pm
| < Prev | Next > |
|---|
