A poignant, dangerous, and funny play that keeps you on your toes!
I had the incredible opportunity to shadow established director Rikki Beadle-Blair during the R&D stage of the new writing production, Rotten, by Josie White at Nottingham Playhouse. As an emergent Latin American director, this was a rare and coveted experience that will greatly benefit my career.
The day started with a magical snowy train journey from London, which added to the excitement of the experience. Upon arrival at Nottingham Playhouse, I was welcomed by the actors and director, who were in the midst of a super intense and focused physical warm-up. The atmosphere was electric, with upbeat music like Ricky Martin's "She Bangs" playing in the background. This certainly indicated the energy and excitement that was to come.
As Josie, the writer, and I joined in on the voice warm-up, which included some fun tongue twisters, I couldn't help but be struck by the dedication and commitment of the entire team. It was clear that everyone involved was focused on giving their best for the production, making it inspiring and motivating.
Immediately after, without wasting a second, the first run of the day, and the first of the week, began. I must say I was surprised how they pulled everything off, almost perfectly. To my surprise, the actors did an incredible job with remarkable precision, given the short time frame in which the play was rehearsed. They deftly navigated the fast-paced dialogue, the spot-on accents, detailed staging, displaying impressive talent and command of their craft. Though there were a few minor hiccups that could have helped the run-through go smoother. I noticed that the actors were more focused on getting everything right, rather than fully inhabiting the space and the situation, which affected the rhythm proposed by the script. This inconsistency made it challenging at times to completely immerse oneself in the play's setting, which demands that the actors inhabit the space as realistically as possible.
Director Rikki's collaborative approach to feedback is truly inspiring. He not only provided precise notes to the actors but also created a space for all team members to share their thoughts and ideas after that amazing frist start of the day. His inclusive approach also extended to Josie, the writer and manager of the project, and Simrun, the assistant director, as he gave equal importance to their feedback. This ensured that the script's vision was being realised and the actors' performances aligned with the story's intended direction. By fostering this welcoming environment, where everyone's input was actively sought out, Rikki ensured that everyone felt like they had contributed to the production's final outcome, making it a truly collaborative effort. As a "shadower," I was also given the opportunity to share my thoughts and opinions, which demonstrates Rikki's openness and respect for everyone's ideas. This feedback and collaboration approach left a deep impression on me as a director, and I'm convinced that valuing the input of all team members is key to creating a cohesive and effective production team. Not only did it lead to a successful second audience sharing of "Rotten" (The first one was at Derby Theatre back in January), but it also made me feel like a valued member of the team, not just a lowly shadow.
Despite the hurdles of the first morning run-through, it was evident that the cast was determined to improve and perfect their performance. They took the notes and feedback given to them and worked incredibly fast and efficiently to make the adjustments. As the day progressed, the show became more polished. By the time of the sharing, the actors seamlessly inhabited the space and transported everyone to a council flat in London, taking us on a gripping and exhilarating one-hour rollercoaster ride of emotions through its fast-paced dialogue, intense characters, thought-provoking themes, and unpredictable plot twists. From the opening scene, the play captures your attention and holds it until the very end. To introduce the play, we see and hear Saoirse's anger and frustration towards the upper class, reflecting a common sentiment in society and immediately capturing our attention as audience members.
As a director who has lived in both Santiago, Chile and London, I found Josie's play "Rotten" deeply resonating with me on a personal level. The play depicts the pressures and challenges of city life that the characters face, which resonates with the struggles I have encountered in my own life, such as self-image and the pressure to succeed. I believe the play serves as a powerful catalyst for change, encouraging audiences to engage with and reflect on the struggles of contemporary life.
As I watched the play, I was drawn into the characters' world, fascinated by their obsession with watching others. However, as the play unfolded, I began to feel uneasy about my role as an observer of their misery. The use of binoculars as a distancing tool was particularly striking, as it emphasised the characters' desire for knowledge and power over others without becoming personally involved.
This theme of voyeurism and the perverse pleasure that individuals can derive from the suffering of others is a seriously uncomfortable topic, and I was hit by it. Josie has challenged the audience to examine their own actions and motives. It prompted me to consider how often we - the audience - may have taken pleasure in the suffering of others without even realising it.
Have you, yes, you, the person in the audience... Have you ever watched someone without their knowledge or consent?
Have you ever invaded someone's privacy?
As a director, I strive to create a platform for conversation and dialogue by challenging audiences to reflect on their actions and motives. This is similar to what Josie accomplishes in Rotten, as she prompts viewers to examine their own voyeuristic behaviours. By portraying the flaws and complexities of the characters, Josie creates a space for dialogue around empathy and understanding. This encourages the audience to consider their own attitudes towards others. I strongly believe that meaningful conversation and self-reflection can promote greater connection and understanding between individuals, and Josie's approach aligns with my own philosophy.
As a London resident, I am part of the city's diverse community, and Rotten is a reminder of that. The play skillfully weaves together a rich tapestry of characters from different backgrounds and cultures, highlighting the complexity and depth of the people who call London home. This is a refreshing departure from the usual portrayal of glamorous and successful individuals and it serves as a powerful reminder that there is so much more to the city than what meets the eye. One particularly memorable moment is when Coco shares her past experiences with homophobia and the difficulties she has faced in being affectionate in public with Saoirse. This highlights the ongoing struggles that people within the LGBTQIA+ community endure. It is especially poignant given Coco's portrayal as a coked-up, temperamental character who might be expected to struggle with emotional openness.
One of the aspects that truly resonated with me about "Rotten" was how it used humour to tackle and expose critical issues such as class, wealth inequality, and drug culture. By satirising these topics, the play illuminates their absurdity and devastating impact on ordinary people. As someone who has lived in London for six years, went through Brexit, a pandemic, and had a baby during the lockdown - to name a few - I can really see firsthand the complex realities of British society, where financial struggles are a common experience for many. I found the characters' attempts to make ends meet in creative and sometimes dodgy ways both humorous and relatable. And let's face it, who doesn't enjoy a good laugh about the dodgier side of life every now and then?
Through her writing, Josie has provided a voice for young people, tackling important issues often overlooked or ignored in mainstream media. Although I am not as young as the play's characters, as an emergent Latin American theatre director trying to create a more sustainable career in the British theatre industry, I was deeply moved by the authenticity and complexity of the characters in "Rotten".
"Rotten" had me on the edge of my seat with unexpected moments, such as Ross's entrance and Iris's final explosive monologue. These instances of intrigue added a heightened level of tension and suspense to the production. As a result of Josie's masterful handling of complex themes with sensitivity and nuance, I have no doubt that her work will be highly praised and resonate with diverse audiences. Her exceptional writing skills and deep understanding of the human condition are evident throughout the play, which stands as a true testament to her craft.
By Fran Olivares.