One, Nineteen20 November 2007
Friends of the Earth's Natasha Allchurch reviews One, Nineteen; running at the Arcola Theatre in East London until 1 December.
This is a fictional portrayal of the chaos that unfolds after climate change causes floods to hit England. It concentrates on the media reaction to the disaster, the Government's response and relief efforts.
From the start we see how the media focuses on one aspect of the story to create powerful headlines. We follow a mother whose desperate search for her children hits the headlines.
The play touches on what we've been highlighting for a long time; climate change is a serious threat.
But where the play falls short is its focus on the distorted media agenda. I left the theatre feeling moved but asking ... "If someone who knows little about climate change saw the play, would it change their mind?" I don't think it would. The seriousness of the subject is overshadowed by insights into media corruption.
Yet people should see this play. It's well acted, challenging and topical.
All too often we see disturbing images on the TV that we're safely detached from. This play helps people engage more directly with a reality that, if individuals, governments and corporations don't fully acknowledge, will be something that we experience.
Read an interview with the play's author, Tim Stimpson.
