10.57°C Sparky at SparkWrite reviews Mother/Land, staged at Firstsite.
This gripping show pulls you to the edge of your seat, immersing you in a whirlwind of suspense about the unfolding event. Set in East Berlin in 1966, where certain books were forbidden, the atmosphere crackles with tension, amplifying your concern for the characters. Will Audwin be discovered, risking everything he holds dear? How long will it be before danger lurks too close for comfort, threatening their very lives?
The freeze frame at the beginning of the performance was an excellent choice; it created a moment of stillness that captivated the audience and encouraged them to use their imagination and interpret the set in a variety of ways. The set was brilliant, especially the barbed wire around the set, it intensified the sense of being ensnared in a nation where danger lurks around every corner, leaving you with a constant feeling of unease and vulnerability with no escape.
The use of projection was a clever choice and made the whole performance feel more realistic. I was impressed with how well it was written, and the light hints of humour made it even better! I loved the contrast between Audwin and Franz, and the recurring fidgeting from Audwin made it obvious that he was anxious and frightened, compared to his best friend Franz, who spoke with confidence, and his body language also radiated self-confidence. However, their friendship is strong, and Franz can identify when his friend has something on his mind; this helps show how close they are.
The gradual decline of Audwin’s mother’s mental health was portrayed perfectly. Audwin’s sense of betrayal from his closest friend felt so real. The entire show was incredibly tense, and there were even points that I was so mesmerised by the performance that I forgot that I was reviewing it!
Sparks: 5/5
Title: Mother/Land
Venue: Firstsite Studio
Writer: Eilish Mullane
Director: Ollie Harrington
Cast:
Thomas Devlin- Audwin
Rufus Love- Franz
Adie Mueller- Arlana
