Salisbury Playhouse – Until Saturday 17th November 2018.
Reviewed by Leanne Caplis
5*****
Written by Nicola Werenowska ‘Silence’ started its UK tour on Friday 12th October in Colchester and runs until Saturday 17th November at Salisbury Playhouse.
On a simplistic stage with few, but very effective props, three generations of a family tell their story of life from the invasion of Poland in 1939 to the present day in Reading. Watch in awe to find out if the traumas of life as a refugee and generational immigrants unfold to see if the Silence can ever be broken.
Maria (Tina Gray) is the survivor of a concentration camp, her daughter Ewa (Kate Spiro) who is a pushy and a highly-strung mother to Anna (Maria Louis) are all of Polish heritage. Two life changing events happen and Anna returns to Poland to find herself. One family, three generations, three differing perspectives and the resurrection of buried memories force them all to re-evaluate life.
All cast members were first class, with the chemistry between all of them outstanding. The excellent research carried out by the writer, Nicola Werenowska, enabled a very detailed story and I experienced a myriad of emotions throughout.
The story is told in the third person which was initially hard to follow but I soon became wrapped up in the individual stories anticipating what was to follow. Moments of dialogue were conducted in Polish which brings the story alive adding a sense of realism.
On entering the house, a small venue with only three chairs and grey screens on stage, I didn’t know what to expect. I was not left disappointed and the simplicity only added to the intensity of the show that may have been lost in a bigger venue.
The second half of this production is intense, thought provoking and incredibly emotional. The whole audience were captivated with eyes on the cast. You could hear a pin drop throughout.
I did not guess the ending and I won’t give too much away. It is incredibly emotional and perhaps, like me, will see you reflecting on your own relationships. Have a tissue at the ready but whatever you do – do not miss this show!