Leeds Playhouse – until Saturday 3rd November 2018
Reviewed By Dawn Smallwood
5*****
Leeds Playhouse’s exciting Pop-Up Theatre season is now in full swing and the Ensemble Company brings David Greig’s Europe. The political play, written in 1994 at the height of the Balkans Civil War, is set at an unnamed disused station at a border town in Central Europe. It specifically focuses on two economic migrants, Sava (Robert Pickavance) and Katia (Jo Mousley), who seeks shelter and refuge at the station which disgruntles Fret (Joe Alessi), the stationmaster. Adele (Tessa Parr), Fret’s assistant, is intrigued with the passing trains in which she romanticises about travel and yet her husband, Berlin (Dan Parr), is opposed to foreign migrants.
Greig’s work always raises the concerns of the characters’ connections with the impact of political, social and economic changes over time and yet there are human desires and wonders to experience what is beyond their town or community. Europe is no exception and Adele (Parr) wishes she was on a train somewhere else instead of the town that has economically declined and its disillusioned residents who have an apathetic outlook on life and a negative view of migrants arriving. With the town’s morale in mind Adele seeks her desires intimately with Katia (Mousley).
Amanda Stoodley’s set works very well with the station being the main focal point and has a rail track running through. There is also room for simultaneous and aside actions in the bar and on the station roof. David Bennion-Pedley’s lighting and the strobe effects compliment the stage with its diversity reflecting darkly the story’s sombre themes and outlook. The same is said for David Shrubsole’s atmospheric and dramatic sounds and noises of the passing trains and its reflective music which enables audience to think more about its themes and issues.
Europe resonates and relates to what people feel today particularly from socio-economic and political perspectives and how the complexities they bring particularly belonging and identity. It also explores how individual characters tested particularly with personal relationships amidst economic adversity and change. There is yearning for the town not to be forgotten and yet it dramatically and suddenly remembered for the wrong reasons at the play’s closing stages.
Under the direction of James Brining, the ensemble of seven put on an excellent performance and they portrayed well the complex characters. One too can link many of the issues that are explored and what is experienced in the past and today whether in the local community, nationally or globally.
It is concluded that one is in Europe but apart from a physical presence a lot of questions are asked but unanswered. This is due to complexity of the issues especially with regards to identity among many migrants who settle in another country and local residents whose livelihood is affected by the economic and social decline of their towns. The influence of border crossing also plays a big part particularly with monetary and social inequalities. It is left for the audience to discuss this further among themselves.
Europe is fearful, thought provoking and yet there are some human touches of optimism and hope as fantasised through trains and travel. It’s a highly recommended play to see during its run.