By Matilda Collard, Second Year English Literature
Following the success of DramSoc’s November production of Arthur Miller’s A View From The Bridge, directors Claudia Osborne and Jude Burrows returned to the Pegg Theatre on 30th May with the debut piece of their new theatre company Two Birds Theatre Co. Sorrowful and thought-provoking, Down To The Felt was a triumph in new writing.
Audiences find themselves in a dystopian alternate present, where homosexuality has been criminalised. The play follows three protagonists: Ailith (Lizzie Kilbride), her husband, Ethan (Sam Bain) and his lover, Gabriel (Jude Burrows), as they navigate living and loving from the shadows. The piece takes place in the singular location of their small flat living room, a domestic sanctuary in a world of fear and hatred. Our only glimpses into life beyond the room come from Ailith, a lawyer for the new government who struggles to mediate between the outside and inside worlds. When Ailith loses a homosexuality defence case, the walls of their haven begin to crack and threatening reality seems to creep closer and closer. Ethan and Gabriel are forced to grapple with the implications of their illegal love, and decide what freedom really means in a world which seeks to destroy you. It was truly heartbreaking to watch as their small pocket of domestic bliss slowly transformed into a prison from which escape seemed impossible.
The relationships between the characters were well developed, a thoughtful demonstration of love in all its forms. In particular, the relationship between Ethan and Gabriel was executed beautifully, with intimacy between the two written and performed both with sensitivity and intention. One striking moment of on-stage intimacy expertly shifted the perspective of the audience, turning us into the prying eyes of the outside world encroaching upon the private domestic sphere. While marginally uncomfortable to watch, particularly in a small performance space, this moment was poignant in demonstrating the increasing threat of external perception upon the couple.
All three actors performed excellently, with a cohesive naturalistic style. The subtle ebbs and flows of tension and emotion were navigated impressively, and the cast all seemed to bounce off each other. Sam Bain as Ethan was a particular standout, with striking emotion and a heart wrenching monologue which made me tear up at one point. There were moments where some lines or pieces of blocking felt a little anticipated but that’s to be expected from a debut performance and will clear itself up as the play settles into itself.
The writing and direction of this piece was outstanding. Despite being a collaboration of two writers, the play felt like one coherent voice and scenes flowed smoothly into each other. The ending was gut-wrenching, leaving the audience reflecting on the meaning of freedom and sacrifice for love. Painfully relevant, the play is an exploration of external encroachment on private lives, and the tragedy that occurs when love is interdicted.
‘Down To The Felt’ will be performed at the Edinburgh Fringe from the 18th-23rd August at Greenside Venues, George Street.
