Others, Sheffield Theatres
Edward Said’s theory of Orientalism declares that Western knowledge about the East is not based on reality, but on preconceived notions that the East is opposite to the West.
Three talented actresses(who also devised and produced the show) take this theory a step further by placing it within our own society, suggesting that we exist in a time in which we are all alienated from each other, no matter where we live.
The idea is explored through exchanges of letters between the cast and a ‘stranger’, a ‘celebrity’ and a ‘prisoner’, to startling and often hilarious effect. Layered dialogue and striking usage of physical theatre creates an all-consuming energy that reflects the heavy weight of the themes.
I find myself feeling quite ashamed as I realise that I participate in the voyeurism of celebrity culture and often have a bizarre desire to know about the lives of strangers - and I’m sure most of the audience does too. Why else would Facebook have 500 million users and Heat be the UK’s best-selling magazine?
Others is evocative, wonderfully textured and certainly gives food for thought. It is an important piece of work that deserves to go far.
November 15
Alice Stride
