Photo by Marc Brenner for Daily Sabah
The Jungle - Joe Murphy & Joe Robertson
RATING ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Directed by Stephen Daldry & Justin Martin
Playhouse Theatre
22/09/18
Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have created a play with storytelling, truth, heart and humanity at its core. The audience is transported into the overpopulated, bustling world of the migrant camp in Calais. As we enter the auditorium, the Playhouse Theatre has been entirely transformed into an exact replica of the Afghan restaurant situated in the “Jungle". The construction of Miriam Buether’s impressive set design recreates the epicentre of the camp. We are sat on cushions, stools, at make-shift tables and are offered chai tea and flatbread. It is a truly immersive experience.
Having spent seven months at the camp establishing and running Good Chance Theatre, the two playwrights collate personal stories of pain, hope, suffering and community. From tear-jerking escape journeys to moments of wit with the do-gooder British volunteers, the cast of eighteen enact a rich multiplicity of voices.
The direction from both Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin is truly imaginative, as we glean the sheer urgency and chaos of the camp. Television screens provide recorded live footage of the terrorist attacks in Paris and the following fire the swept across part of the camp. There is a constant oscillation between anger and despair and moments of celebration, joy and hopefulness.
The Jungle does not blame, as a spirit of compassion shines through the narrative. Yet it plays a vital role in raising awareness about the struggle of so many and how the West can and should continue to help with the crisis. A sense of guilt shrouds the audience as I overhear snippets of people saying our Government could do more or how we generalised and disengaged with the situation at the time.
The Jungle is a deeply moving, powerful tale of humanity and the strength of community. An important and visionary piece of theatre that should certainly not be missed.
The Jungle runs until the 3rd November (thejungleplay.co.uk, 08448717631)
RATING ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Directed by Stephen Daldry & Justin Martin
Playhouse Theatre
22/09/18
Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson have created a play with storytelling, truth, heart and humanity at its core. The audience is transported into the overpopulated, bustling world of the migrant camp in Calais. As we enter the auditorium, the Playhouse Theatre has been entirely transformed into an exact replica of the Afghan restaurant situated in the “Jungle". The construction of Miriam Buether’s impressive set design recreates the epicentre of the camp. We are sat on cushions, stools, at make-shift tables and are offered chai tea and flatbread. It is a truly immersive experience.
Having spent seven months at the camp establishing and running Good Chance Theatre, the two playwrights collate personal stories of pain, hope, suffering and community. From tear-jerking escape journeys to moments of wit with the do-gooder British volunteers, the cast of eighteen enact a rich multiplicity of voices.
The direction from both Stephen Daldry and Justin Martin is truly imaginative, as we glean the sheer urgency and chaos of the camp. Television screens provide recorded live footage of the terrorist attacks in Paris and the following fire the swept across part of the camp. There is a constant oscillation between anger and despair and moments of celebration, joy and hopefulness.
The Jungle does not blame, as a spirit of compassion shines through the narrative. Yet it plays a vital role in raising awareness about the struggle of so many and how the West can and should continue to help with the crisis. A sense of guilt shrouds the audience as I overhear snippets of people saying our Government could do more or how we generalised and disengaged with the situation at the time.
The Jungle is a deeply moving, powerful tale of humanity and the strength of community. An important and visionary piece of theatre that should certainly not be missed.
The Jungle runs until the 3rd November (thejungleplay.co.uk, 08448717631)