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ED2013 3/5 Reviews ED2013 Theatre Reviews
Contractions (Sussex University Drama Society)
By Amber-Page Moss | Published on Saturday 3 August 2013
Forget the Fringe programme blurb’s apparent misogyny; this performance is far from anti-feminist. Two actresses, both young but dynamically different, drive a series of scenes broken by oppressive blue light. At first a little flat, with overly clipped tones, the tension soon builds as Hope’s crumbling poise effectively clashes against Robinson’s naturally domineering figure and flawless facade. Don’t expect realism to make the stage direction more appealing; simpering smiles and squirm-in-the-seat humour provoke more gasps than laughs. It’s short but shocking, and includes a technical tip of the hat to the play’s radio origins. Peaking in disturbing absurdity, Bartlett’s script does raise serious suspicions about the demands of the workplace, and how far one might go to keep a job “these days”.
C nova, until 10 Aug, 4.30pm.
tw rating 3/5 | [Amber-Page Moss]
