The Reviews Hub Champions of truly nationwide theatre coverage
Creators: Windmill Young Actors
Writer: Joe Gill
Director: Tanushka Marah
Reviewer: Simon Topping
A red flag waves and the raised fist of communist solidarity greets the audience as About A Revolution begins. This, the latest offering from the award-winning Windmill Young Actors, is a weighty exploration into the themes of inequality and social change as seen through the eyes of teenagers in the modern-day paralleled with events one hundred years ago in the Russian revolution.
Devised by the cast and underpinned by the writing of Joe Gill, About A Revolution is a captivating piece which uses it’s juvenile cast well, especially when they are in group movement. Several times we see this throughout the show and it always well-done, sometimes moving and often funny, as in the case where all actors look at their smartphones in unison to signify the numbing of society through our obsession of everyday gadgets.
The use of visuals and music are deftly done; there is a very touching Grenfell tower scene where the actors simply look out to the audience as beautiful instrumental music plays, it is extremely affecting.
The story of the Russian revolution is interesting in itself but the play shines when performers share their own stories about what revolution means to them and how their lives touch chaos and beauty in various forms.
Showing us that sadly not much has changed in 100 years, as the gulf between rich and poor ever expands and profit is firmly placed before people; About A Revolution is a poignant reminder for us all to look out for each other and be kind, root for change and distinguish injustice.
Well played and excellently choreographed this is a very entertaining and thought-provoking watch.
Reviewed on 16th May
Image: Contributed
