Writer/Director: Pollyanna Esse
20 Minutes of Action is a verbatim re-telling of a controversial American sexual assault court case from emerging company Lionheart Theatre. This one-hour play is written from the statements and transcripts of the victim, perpetrator, and their families. A cast of seven carefully repeat their words, calling the audience to action and simultaneously delivering a message of solidarity to all women and victims of sexual assault.
The cast are all onstage as the audience enters, and a hush falls without any effort, evoking the pregnant silence of a courtroom. They move through the details of the case, each character adding their own perspective. Amid the bustling chaos of the Fringe, their deliberate slowness and quietness is striking. The Victim (Shannon Yuen) confidently yet distressingly talks about her experience, supported by the uncomfortable words of The Witness (Ellie Watermeyer).
Throughout the piece, the Perpetrator (Benjamin Sumrie) and his parents (Fiona Forster and Connor McCausland) are fighting to communicate the negative effects this case will have on his life. Their stance is focused on the promise of his future success, which they are desperate for this alcohol-induced event not to tarnish. He is a prominent college athlete, “a nice guy,” who, according to his father, should not have to undergo punishment for the mistake he made to have “20 minutes of action.”
Writer and director Pollyanna Esse has crafted a delicate and emotional piece through a mixture of verbatim collation and pointed staging, highlighted by simple yet effective technical choices. The Victim’s Sister, played by Louisa Chang, stands out with a clear voice and clear connection to the topic. The team at Lionheart Theatre have brought an excellent play (and message) to this Festival.
The true events behind this piece are recognisable and memorable, despite changes made for legal purposes. To see a college athlete receive a severely reduced sentence despite his convictions incited rage and fuelled important discussions around women’s safety worldwide. Who do we choose to believe? How far is too far? 20 Minutes of Action compellingly reignites this fight. It reminds us that no matter the consequence to the perpetrators, the victims of rape and sexual assault continually face challenges both in reporting and seeking justice.
20 Minutes of Action is a worthwhile piece of verbatim and an exciting offer from this new company.
Runs at Pleasance Courtyard until 29 August 2022
