ED2012 4/5 Reviews ED2012 Theatre Reviews

The Institute (Act One / PBH’s Free Fringe)

By | Published on Friday 24 August 2012

As much an analysis of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder as a play, this dark, confusing piece is definitely not for everyone. A lot of performances claim to be unsettling, but this really delivers. People are forced to relive their worst experiences in order to, somehow, help their pain heal: it’s not an extraordinary premise, but it really works. The writing is disconcertingly cheerful, then suddenly bleak. The physical performances – especially the very well choreographed slow motion sections – were striking. All that held it back were a few moments of slightly stilted acting, but even those weren’t enough to distract you from the atmosphere. Also, in case you need an incentive, all of the proceeds go to help a PTSD charity.

The Fiddler’s Elbow, 13-19 Aug, 12.45am.
tw rating 4/5 | [Katherine Cunningham]



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