ED2016 3/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Bend In The River (Deep Water Theatre Collective)

By Patricia-Ann Young | Published on Monday 15 August 2016

‘Bend in the River’ is a strange but heart-warming show about people who have been ostracised from society. Set in a hospital for those suffering from Hansen’s Disease, or leprosy, we follow the struggles of victims and the carers who look after them. The play is billed as having original American roots music, but it’s used incredibly sparingly. This is a shame as, when featured, it immediately lifts the production, giving it the sombre, bittersweet feel director Tonya Hays is clearly aiming for. Despite a rather sweet romantic subplot, played nicely by Aubrey Hays and Kristofer Adkins, the show feels overly dignified. As a result, it’s a little cold, making it a noble but inaccessible tale of woe and hope.

Greenside @ Nicolson Square, until 13 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Patricia-Ann Young]