This page is designed to let my students and people know what is happening in the wonderful world of showbusiness and what I have seen or been involved with recently.

Rupture: National Theatre of Scotland

I spent Friday evening (28th Sept) at the Traverse Theatre in Edinburgh seeing ‘Rupture’ by the National Theatre of Scotland. There had been a lot of hype about this production, probably after the acclaimed ‘Black Watch’.  Rupture is a 21st century thriller that takes a scalpel to the shiny surface of city life.

Six characters collide in the twilight urban underworld of post-Blair Britain as they watch, manipulate, fall in love and double-cross each other.

Dark and funny, Rupture exposes the links between private security and personal trauma, migrant workers and lonely consumers, strange desires and societal secrets.The set was simple yet very effective. The large office tables gave a contemporary feel the production with muti-media being used to give us a ‘big brother’ type environment that we are being accustomed to in society.

The six strong actors played the characters excellently however I was left to wonder the reason for the character of Caroline played by Molly Innes. Although the scenes in which she was in were excellent the character didn’t develop enough for me. NTS Workshop had developed this production through the devising process and although it had some very funny and very touching moments I wanted more from the wife and and her husband; why were they drifting apart? why was he keeping things a secret etc

The actress playing Monika brought to the play a whole different story about Polish workers seeking a better life in Britain but her drive to have this better life was actually her downfall. The actress was real and a welcome face to the Traverse. Owen Whitelaw playing Derek, for me, made the piece as his movement was flawless and brought an innocence to the play. A final year student at RSAMD I am sure we will be seeing a lot of him.

Did this play live up the hype it had created? probably not to be honest although it was beautifully directed by Davey Anderson. The movement was excellent and added another level to the play (all my students know I love movement). So although it wasn’t what i expected I thoroughly enjoyed it. It was a mix between Hitchcock and 1984.

This play would be suitable for study at Higher Drama within Scottish Contemporary Theatre. This play is on till 6th Oct 2007