As the world watches the Middle East conflicts in horror, this well constructed piece illuminates how Israeli Defence Force conscripts deal with their situation. We see four friends with different backgrounds and dispositions each struggling in their own way. Based on true stories, the strongly drawn characters switch between bickering, arguing, escapism and supporting each other. A piece such as this cannot be expected to offer new thinking on the conflict in the region but some of the complexities are made real via the personal experiences of conscripts opposed to the war. With an emphasis on the mental health of participants, it also has something wider to say about how those with a duty of care look after our young people.

Pleasance Courtyard, until 26 Aug.
tw rating 3/5 | [Alan Cranston]