An anthology of fascinating, dark stories full of drama and tragedy, where the rotating cast completely draws you into four distinct, vivid, brought-to-life worlds. Rating
Good!
Our experiences of fear and grief can arise from many unexpected causes and be managed and resolved in different ways, for better or worse. Death Belles, written and produced by Annie Power, presents four such experiences from four very different and absorbing women.
This anthology show comprises four self-contained short plays told in turn, each quite dissimilar. Rural Poppy (Niamh O’Donnell) faces a struggle for survival as a devastating storm rages, which changes both her outlook and community forever. Self-assured Rose (Harriet Main) is a dedicated police detective determined to protect the public from a danger she knows all too well; no price is too high. Energetic schoolgirl Lily (George Bird) senses that something is not right in her family dynamics, but when she inadvertently brings the secret into the open, it is more terrible than she imagined. Determined Bella (Finella Waddilove) knows that somebody in her small village must have seen her young daughter disappear and is set on drawing out the truth from them. At 15 minutes each, they are all compelling tales, full of escalating suspense and taking unexpected directions.
As writer, Power has crafted absorbing stories which have their own distinct tone and topic yet remain linked with the central theme of loss, presented through growing tension and unease; each has a satisfying arc and resolution which cannot be predicted. Throughout these dark narratives, good humour is deployed sparingly and effectively. The scripts quickly establish a unique voice and mannerism for each character, all of whom have different approaches to relating their tale. Director Penny Gkritzapi modulates the performances of the cast to match the different personalities they bring to life, which are also subtly reflected in the costuming. In her flowing country dress, O’Donnell moves across the stage as Poppy reenacts journeying across fields and peering down chasms. Rose’s serious and professional nature is conveyed as Main sits, calm and measured, in a chair. Bird’s sportswear befits Lily’s youthful energy and open emotions. As Bella confronts her fellow villagers, Waddilove directly addresses specific audience members, fresh from another search in her rugged jeans and jacket. The cast is engaging as they showcase the differing strengths and challenges of the various characters, maintaining a sense of reliability wherever the story takes them.
Because the stories take place across vastly different locations, with the performers describing them so vividly, Constance Comparot’s set design focuses on reinforcing the emotive theme connecting them. The stage is littered with flower petals, pinks and reds standing out from the dark floor, whilst four vases of flowers stand in the corners. To create a symbolic bond between them, the cast each performs a ritual with their vase at the conclusion of their story. To accompany the performances, the events described and emotions conveyed are creatively visualised through Amy Horsley’s lighting. There are lightning flashes of a storm, the brightness of a new day of hope, or unsettling green and dangerous red. At dramatic moments, the cast is lit by a single spotlight, casting their eerie shadow across the wall.
The independent tales provide a compelling exploration of how tragedy and challenges can impact people in different ways, and the lengths that some will go through to overcome them. The different narrative and presentation styles keep each experience fresh, engaging and unpredictable.
Directed by Penny Gkritzapi
Written by Annie Power
Produced by Annie Power
Set Design by Constance Comparot
Lighting & Sound by Amy Horsley
Presented by Open Page Productions
Death Belles plays at The Old Red Lion until Wednesday October 22
