★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Described as being set over “one surreal night of dancing and debauchery” this show delivers on much more than just that, as Eric Yu’s writing creates a sensitive, honest, and outstanding depiction of mental illness, and drug and alcohol abuse.
Focussing around one group of four friends who reunite, what could be a cliche set-up is given brilliant depth, as Mattie (Esther Levin) unravels and the true reality of their illness becomes clear. Levin gives a masterful performance, full of fire and tenderness, excellently portraying addiction, delusions, and suicidal ideation. This is the first time I have felt my experience of mental illness so accurately and viscerally depicted on stage.
Levin is matched in their performance by Adela Hernandez-Derbyshire as Dev, Oscar Nicholson as Stef and Ben Willows as Jason. Each character has their own complicated relationship with Mattie, and each actor brings a fantastic performance. Willows’ depiction of Jason, a well-off and well-meaning voice of reason, was particularly striking to me. They perfectly encapsulated the kind of person who tries to help, but has little to no appreciation for the kind of damage and psychological trauma that can come from sending someone to A&E mid-meltdown. Indeed this makes the play stand out as uniquely wonderful – Mattie is not portrayed negatively for not wanting to go, and discusses the economic barriers to therapy, and crucially they are supported in this by Dev. I do feel this could have been a bigger conversation, but the play remained effective nonetheless.
The play is a wonderfully tragic depiction of what it’s really like to struggle with these issues, both personally and as an observer, all underpinned by stunning lighting and soundtrack, seamlessly integrated into the plot. The use of manual lighting in an expressionist way was a particularly innovative and glorious thing to watch, really creating an immersive feel.
If you are interested in going, please be aware of the potential of sensory overload due to light and sound, and bear in mind the strong themes of the play and depiction of alcohol and drug abuse.*
Everyone involved should be incredibly proud to have delivered such a gripping, beautiful and heart-wrenching piece of theatre.
*Note: I cannot find a list of Content Warnings for this production.
Review by Tom Chandler
Death of a Disco Dancer, Greenside @ Infirmary Street Olive Studio 15:10 (50m) Aug 5-13 £11/9.50 14+
