Exploring the themes of the value of life and government control, Gross Domestic Product is an interesting (and bloody) take on humanity and what we value.
Set in a mysterious government building, a man is held hostage by government officials. Tasked with encouraging his demise by a machine that dictates a certain financial value from that loss of life, there is cajoling, manipulation and eventually desperation as the officials try to appease the machine – and their boss.
The show explores some fears that can be present in modern life: that technology will replace the value of human life; that an individual may be sacrificed for the ‘better’ good; and that when pushed, desperation may make those in charge lose sight of what is important. These themes are thought-provoking, and it is good to see this explored in today’s turbulent times, where that value of a life is not always as clear cut as we could hope.
There are a couple of areas that could be strengthened: the show uses all available floor space and at times this can be quite tricky for sightlines. Additionally, the air conditioning unit, while keeping the space cool, can also battle the actors for sound, which is then further challenging when the actors need to face away from the audience. It is also never quite clear why this government department would truly believe the machine’s interpretation that one random individual could have immense power over the rest of the country.
Despite this, the actors commit to the exploration of the darker side of the price of a life and what lengths people can sometimes go to in the name of progress. While an audience may need to avert eyes at times due to the on-stage action, it leaves food for thought as to our futures and what responsibility means when it comes to humanity.
Show Times: 5,7,9,11,13,15,18,20,22 Aug @ 11:35
Running time: 60 mins
Ticket Prices: £8-£10
https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/gross-domestic-product
Warnings: Audience participation; contains distressing or potentially triggering themes, scenes of violence, strong language/swearing. Accessibility and Enhanced Performances: Wheelchair Access, Wheelchair Accessible Toilets (may not apply to all performances.) Babes in arms policy: Babies do not require a ticket. Policy applies to: Children under 2 years. Age suitability: 14+ (Guideline)