Through a series of thought-provoking, harrowing monologues, Neil LaBute’s classic script exposes us to the innermost thoughts of six characters, and we are challenged to understand their American intolerance. Director Matthew Lillard has choreographed his actors with a perfect level of subtlety. When one actor takes the lead, the lights dimming around him, the other five are still present – be that physically or, in the case of Waitress 2, in the occasional, haunting echo of her words. There are times when the monologues become uncomfortable, the actor’s eyes piercing into the audience as if judging our response. In that sense it’s not a pleasant hour, but then it was never meant to be.

Basic Mountain, until 31 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Stephanie Gray]