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Delicates and Smoke. ****1/2
Delicates and Smoke are two interesting monologues exploring the effects of psychological disorders. The first comes from Moira, a single mum with 3 kids, and a victim of much heartache. Next up is Greg, a level-headed, well-to-do fire-fighter - or so it seems. Both characters communicate their memories and experiences to the audience describing ambiguous scenarios, which shed new light on their personas.
MOira addresses the audience from a domestic haven. Between doing the laundry and deliberating over bills, she reveals a concern or perhaps obsession with her childrens health. Her crazed tone implies that she suffers from MSBP (Munchausen's syndrome by proxy whereby a patient inflicts harm on to others in their care in order to obtain medical attention). Actress Rebecca Russell, who wrote the monologues, maintains a steady pace and is extremely convincing as the emotional and unstable Moira.
The traces of the family home are then replaced on set by the interior of Greg'shumble abode for the second half of the play. Speaking to the audience while performing his morning routine, Roger Bartlett gives a running commentary on his lifestyle, experiences and a number of lectures on fire safety. His fervently self-assured tone verges on the insane and implies a deep-seated mental turmoil.
While the characters connect with the audeince on one level with their seemingly banal everyday lives, these disturbing, yet at times humerous, accounts are actually exposing potential killers or abusers.
Sophie Lloyd |
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