Writer: Andrew Rosendorf
Director: Scott Huran
When the Americans finally pulled out of Afghanistan in 2021, they took back with them many battle scars, both physical and mental. Andrew Rosendorf’s incendiary 90-minute dram examines unflinchingly the impact of the conflict, directly or indirectly, on four gay men.
Callum Mardy is remarkably powerful as Kyle, a soldier who has had the bottom half of his body blown away by an IED. Returning to the United States, he is faced with the challenges of rebuilding his life, but he is unable to find the confidence or the support that he needs in order to do so. Offers to help arrive, but they are rejected out of misplaced pride and stubbornness.
Flashbacks to the conflict show Kyle’s burgeoning romance with a lower-ranked soldier, Chuck, played with passion and warmth by Prince Kundai. However, Kyle puts up barriers when they return to the US, fearful that his severe injuries would become a blight on Chuck’s life. He turns to Harry (Tobie Donovan), a former High School friend, but their reacquaintance brings little comfort.
Kyle’s reunion with his estranged brother, Jack (Joe Bolland) brings discussions of the men’s relationship with their late father, also a military man, which allows Rosendorf to interrogate modern values of masculinity. The brothers’ attempts to heal wounds from the past and find unity to tackle the future are quietly touching.
Jumping backwards and forwards in time, the play’s early scenes are a little confusing and they need clearer points of reference. However, the writer’s thoughtful approach compensates for other shortcomings and Marty, an actor with disabilities comparable to Kyle’s, is a tower of strength throughout.
Occasionally, the strength of the acting in director Scott Huran’s gripping production tends to over-value the writing, which lapses into slightly stilted dialogue and becomes repetitive. Sorcha Corcoran’s design, setting a dozen hanging strip lights against a plain backdrop, creates an austere vision which suits the play’s stark and visceral elements well, but is less successful in supporting scenes of human emotion.
Paper Cut takes the audience on a painful journey and it belies its title by making deep incisions to explore the psychological traumas resulting from warfare. It is a sobering reminder that the casualties of conflicts go far beyond any list of fatalities.
Runs until 1 July 2023
The Reviews Hub Score
Incisive
