ED2016 4/5 Reviews ED2016 Theatre Reviews

Villain (Bruised Sky Productions)

By Andy Leask | Published on Monday 22 August 2016

‘Villain’ pulls no punches. A searingly honest appraisal of our tendency to judge people – strangers – harshly, in the press and on social media, it may make you regret things you have said, done, and even thought in the past. And that’s where its power lies. The non-linear structure is cleverly deployed, allowing us to empathise with Rachel as she leaves uni and starts work, while simultaneously seeing the devastation wrought by her brush with infamy, as she’s hounded by the paparazzi and receives online death threats. Our empathy with Rachel is absolute, as is our shame, knowing how we might judge her if we didn’t know her. Timely, relevant and deftly crafted, it will leave you reeling.

Underbelly Med Quad, until 28 Aug.
tw rating 4/5 | [Andy Leask]