A satisfyingly suspenseful Noir-ish drama set in an indeterminate warzone, this production combines film and live action to tell the story of amnesiac night porter Harry. We view proceedings through a television-screen-shaped opening in the wall; actors’ faces are often blocked, visible only in the film projected behind them, cleverly directing our attention to the artificial, artistic film-version of events. However, the film too often takes over completely, rendering the live action rather redundant. Though the live action and film sometimes work together thrillingly, the fusion isn’t always wholly successful. When actors lay sideways on ledges in the set, thus viewed from above in a very filmic manner, it’s somewhat pointless, however technically impressive it is. Nonetheless, a striking production.

Summerhall, 8 – 28 Aug, 2.45pm (4.00pm), £10.00 – £12.00, fpp269.
tw rating 3/5
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