Theatre Review: Gagarin Way

Edward Newborn plays the kidnapped Frank who is tied up for most of the play <i>Gagarin Way</i>. Photo / Sylvie Whinray

Gagarin Way is about current political apathy; nonetheless it expects its audience to have a wee bit of political awareness, particularly vis-a-vis 20th century British history.

But even if you're not familiar with "devolution" (Scotland getting its own parliament) and have only the vaguest idea about socialism, this bleak, real-time comedy is enjoyable: excellent staging, good acting, amusing one-liners.

It is set and staged in a warehouse garage. The fluorescent lights shine on the small audience and four actors alike, and Bronwyn Bent's set is so clever that its cubbyholes and rubbish bags don't look designed at all.

You're immersed as soon as you step through the roller door.

Playwright Gregory Burke went on to write the celebrated Black Watch, but for this 2001 play, his first, he draws on his own past - factories, violence and library books in Fife.

Happily, his Scottish wit is as dry as Scottish weather is wet: Kevin Keys as Eddie the worker with opinions on Sartre and who laments that since the port shut down there are no more sailors to fight.

"Causing trouble is my hobby," he says.

Gareth Reeves does a good job on his directorial debut. Keys is the glittering-eyed, stony pivot of the play, in control of Eddie's compressed energy and guttural accent.

He is well-supported by the others: Emmett Skilton as the wet-behind-the-ears young 'un who believes the lie of New Labour's Third Way; Edward Newborn as Frank, the fatalistic capitalist; and Will Wallace as Eddie's open-mouthed, frustrated fellow worker.

The play offers these as the only possible political fates for us all.
Characters move easily enough between realistic chit-chat and political symbolism. Frank's unsurprised resignation at being kidnapped deflates much possible tension but still, it means the laughs are louder.

Good value at $25.

What: Gagarin Way
Where: Gagarin Way Garage, 181 Hobson St, to Dec 11.