Review: We Predict A Riot, Etcetera Theatre

This 40-minute play, set up like a news channel, runs though the highlights of the last 65 days of the new Prime Minister’s term, in the fictional country of Vulgaria, more commonly known as the child-hating European country in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. This blend of fiction and reality makes for a comedy you can both laugh at and relate to in one fell swoop.

The script, written by Stacey and Paula Haber chooses not to put the audience in the action, but instead on the receiving end of the news channel. Despite it being a very information-heavy show, there isn’t a lull in pace. Keeping the audience interested with the increasing seriousness of the situation. The mix of made-up fantasy and truth, which blends so smoothly, makes you question the often ridiculous political state of our current world. But as a commentary piece it plays it safe, expressing the general consensus that dictatorships are bad, but without pushing the boat out to any deeper level.

The four news anchors, played by Stacey Haber, Jack Lee, Madeleine May Devine and Danielle Kendler-Rhodes, have a strong grip on the material, which gives them space to play around with accents and physical comedy. Each character feels individual and has a purpose within the dynamic, but I would like more insight into their personal feelings on the political state of Vulgaria.

The set and costume imply the story is a 21st century event. The choice of staying in the one location of the news room stabilises a constantly evolving narrative. The projection on the back screen offers supporting visuals for the news stories and helps support the passing of time with a visual counter. Days passing are also contextualised with the simple notion of turning the lighting on and off. These cues support but do not distract from the acting, which is mostly confined to the bounds of each news anchor’s chair. The news room setting creates an interesting angle, making the acting the focus of the show.

This fast-paced show has the building blocks to create a current piece. As it stands, it needs a stronger stance among the many politically centered plays already out there, but it has a passion which can be clearly seen in the actors’ performances.

Written by: Stacey and Paula Haber
Directed by: Stacey Haber
Produced by: The Music Firm and Queensboro Bridge Productions

We Predict a Riot has now ended its run at Etcetera Theatre