‘Both actors gave very touching performances’
Fifteen-year-old Ally (Beth Birss), dreams of becoming a writer, while Makayla 18, (Rachel Jones) hides her university admission papers from their mother. Projected on the back wall are photos and videos of them sharing good times together, writes Linda Emmanuel.
Ten years later they meet again, following their mother’s funeral. Because Ally had organised the funeral alone and Makayla had refused to attend, it’s an uncomfortable reunion.
At one point Ally needs to exit the space, leaving her bag on the bench through which Makayla has a rummage. She finds the order of service and rips it up.
Ally returns talking incessantly, initially not noticing Makayla is in deep thought, until she turns to her to ask what’s wrong. Over the years, Makayla’s changed her name, bought a flat and is now a vegetarian. She’s also engaged to be married to a woman, notice of which she put on the socials instead of informing her sister personally.
Being the one left behind to deal with their sociopathic mother by herself, to endure daily insults, being taunted with ‘you’re a terrible daughter and a worse sister’, creates feelings of resentment towards Makayla, and jealousy ensues.
Some families are not easy, you can’t choose them, but there they are. I would have loved to know more about their mother, her life experiences, what informed her behaviour towards her daughters. Would she have behaved the way she did if she was aware of the consequences?
What I’d Be examines the effects of emotional and mental trauma in the family. It is about estrangement and the road to reconciliation. It is about grief and loss of childhood.
Both Rachel Jones and Beth Birss gave very touching performances. There’s not a lot of physical movement to be had. Nevertheless, the attention of the audience was well kept.
Brockley Jack Studio until 21st February.
Booking and full details: http://www.brockleyjack.co.uk/
