Part of the Korean Season at Assembly, this play is in English, a translation from the original Korean, beautifully written by Cha Hyun Suk. There is a darkness at the heart of this tale, looking at the impact of actions we have taken in the past, even if ordered to do so, and how that affects those in the present. The show is packed and this closeness to the action on stage works in building the tense atmosphere that is behind the storyline. This does mean, however, that sight lines are compromised because of that closeness. There are parts of the set that are difficult to see, and while not core to the action, is a distraction at times in wondering what is missed.
What is interesting, once the reason is revealed, is when there should be music or sounds in the background, but instead of which there is silence, other than the words of the onstage character. This aspect of the direction really makes the audience think about what this would be as an existence. How would that impact a life, with an existence where something is missing, but you cannot quite articulate what that missing element would mean to your very being?
There is an edgy undercurrent to the Counsellor, a slight uncomfortableness despite the openness that the Tea Room functions with, that works particularly well. What could have been strengthened is the emotional connection that The Man, the visitor to the Tea Room, has to his past. Experiences are revealed but that deeper, visceral meaning feels lost, which means that the audience does not have the same response as they do to the Counsellor, and therefore the full impact of the writing is not fleshed out.
Presented as part of the Korean Season.
Show Time: 12:40
Assembly Rooms
13-25 Aug (not 19)
Ticket prices: 13-15, 20-22 Aug £12 (£11); 16-18, 23-25 Aug £13 (£12)
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/black-and-white-tea-room-counsellor
Accessible entry: Venue is built on astroturf. Access via side entrance. Front of house will guide to separate entry. Wheelchair access type: Level Access. Stairs: Information not supplied. Age: 14+ (Guideline.) Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 18 months.