We Go Wandering at NightWritten & Directed by: Paul HamPresented by: Define Choice
The Cock Tavern Theatre
10/08/2009- 15/08/2009
*Define Choice's first production blends high energy with a whole lot of heart.
What place, if any, does religion serve in a modern world? Does God exist, and if so, why would (s)he allow suffering to take place? Is there any meaning to life? Why are we here? What fuels our need to believe or prompts us to reject belief entirely? ‘We Go Wandering at Night’ puts these questions forward in an attempt to discover their truths. Intentionally, it does not always succeed in finding the answers. Neither does playwright Paul Ham claim to have them; he admits to knowing practically nothing at all about Faith. Nevertheless, in this piece, he and his fellow actors confront the more complicated questions head on and invite their audience to do the same. Perhaps the closest that they come to an answer, and to a moral for their story, is this: ‘It’s not important that you have faith in God or in religion, only that you have faith in something- starting with yourself”.
As the play opens, Adam is sitting in a nondescript waiting room, clearly agitated, and speaking to a voice that represents God. As Adam unravels the pieces of his troubled life, it becomes clear that his best intentions have been hindered repeatedly by the influence of previous trauma. Confronted with God’s forgiveness, he rejects it resolutely. He has never asked for forgiveness, Adam reasons, and he cannot justify apologizing to a God who would stand by while there is so much evil in the world. This struggle is at the very heart of the production, and Adam only achieves inner peace when he has learned to forgive himself and others, and to accept that there are questions for which no answer is sufficient.
This promising young cast is comprised entirely of recent ArtsEd graduates, and their passion for the theatre and their work is prodigious. As Adam, Brendan Murphy incorporates his natural ability for physical comedy, infusing the piece with a refreshing lightheartedness and humour when it is least expected. He is equally good in moments that call for emotional depth and sincerity. Daniel Doidge as The Voice (of God) and Paul Ham round out this talented cast nicely, with the latter being particularly memorable in the role of Mr. Deus. In addition to writing and acting in the piece, Paul Ham also directs. Challenges often arise when assuming so many roles but Mr. Ham appears to have succeeded, with the staging well considered and clear.
Despite its strengths, the production could still improve upon a few things. For example, some parts of the script need a bit of work. Pieces of well-conceived back-story could benefit from a more consistent connection with the rest of the plot. Moreover, the pace in the first thirty minutes felt rushed, meaning that the action was occasionally difficult to follow. However, these things can be overlooked when the stronger points of the piece are considered. Define Choice say in their program notes that ‘This is only the beginning, and we are looking to grow with each show’. This production is a solid beginning, then. Even more, this is a company to watch. 3 Stars.
Playing through August 15th at the Cock Tavern Theatre in Kilburn as a part of the London Fringe Festival. Review written by Megan Hunter for Fringe Review: http://www.fringereview.co.uk/.
