Isy Sharman (Producer); Anna Yates (Scenic and Costume Designer); Rob Willoughby (Video Designer); Emma Jones (Lighting Designer); Garry Boyle (Sound Designer); Cat Myers (Composer); Ailsa Munro (Design Assistant & Costume Supervisor); Craig Fleming (Production Manager); Emma Skaer (Stage Manager); Lynn Wiseman (Technical Manager); Andy Reid (AV Technician); Michael Howell (Casting Associate); Emma-Jane McHenry (Audio Description); Brian Hartley (Photography)
Technically brilliant and thought-provoking, Shotput’s Scottish premiere of Arlington is a dark, unsettling watch. Reminiscent of both Orwell’s 1984 and present-day reality shows, the dystopian setting of Enda Walsh’s piece draws us into the world of people trapped in individual rooms in high rise buildings. These individuals perform for the watchers, at the behest of mysterious voices, hoping that the tickets they have will eventually release them.
The onstage viewing monitors are mesmerising: Emma Jones’ lighting design works beautifully, helping to create and enhance imagery and movement onstage that reflects eerily on the small screens the audience can see. The performers are centre stage one by one, speaking and moving for the viewer, but juxtapositioned within all the screens. They are everywhere but nowhere at the same time, stuck in a loop, watched and observed.
The cast give strong performances, with nuanced direction enhanced by a powerful soundscape and on-stage technical effects. Aisha Goodman’s Isla, trapped and lonely, is vulnerable but also funny. There is a clear craving for two-way human interaction, which her situation does not permit. Alex Austin’s Young Man is equally lonely, equally trapped and looking for something tangible in a world that treats people as disposable. Sandwiched between the two is Jack Anderson’s Dancer, a wordless, frenetic, whirling dervish moving around the stage. Watching him dance is like being trapped in a rave when you are sober but cannot look away and cannot escape. It is hypnotic and while the dance itself may feel too long, it heightens the tension: perhaps that is the point, that being trapped makes a second feel like a lifetime.
The ensemble, with a fusion of technical skill, music and performance, have created a striking piece of theatre and dance which looks at the heart of how life is valued and will leave the audience with much food for thought.
Show Time: 8 November @ 14:30; 19:30
Traverse Theatre
Ticket Prices: £5-£20
https://www.traverse.co.uk/whats-on/event/arlington-autumn-25
Warnings: Contains smoke, haze, flashing lights, loud noises, strong language and themes of suicide.
Accessibility: Audio Description on 8 November @ 14:30. For access requirements, contact the Traverse Sales and Welcome Team on [email protected] or 0131 228 1404 to arrange reserved seating and discuss how else to best support your visit.
Age Suitability: 12+