Deeply thought out, tightly constructed and refined
True crime has been having a bit of a moment the past ten years or so. The genre has spawned into a multi-billion dollar industry, with podcasts, TV series and books detailing brutal acts of violence drawing in huge audiences, writes Melina Block.
Public appetite for this often exploitative form of entertainment has made celebrities out of victims and perpetrators alike. Now, ahead of the September release of Netflix series Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, a new production by Off The Forest Theatre is looking back at the mysterious murder of Borden’s parents and her subsequent trial.
Classically trained actors Sasha Wilson, Lawrence Boothman and David Leopard embody the various roles, switching between dramatic re-enactments, musical interludes and fourth-wall-breaking narration as they relay the story of Borden’s life. The fatal axe-attacks that took her mother and father’s lives, as well as questions around whether Borden was rightfully found not guilty, have already inspired many films, plays, musicals and TV episodes. This show doesn’t try to offer up an answer, instead leaning into the complicated, conflicting theories of what may have happened and offering up multiple perspectives of the same events.
The starring trio bounce off each other well, their banter between dramatic scenes providing some of the highlights of the show. The lighting design, although simple, is used powerfully to drum up the tension and foster a sense of eeriness or shock. The songs—including some rather skilful instrumental work—also contribute nicely to the atmosphere, although Wilson’s singing is not quite as strong as her acting (by choosing to cover one of Nina Simone’s biggest hits, you are attempting to fill impossibly large shoes). All in all, the different elements of the production are cohesive and well-oiled. It feels deeply thought out, tightly constructed and refined.
I and others can often find the practice of turning what are ostensibly the worst—and often last—days of someone’s life into a spectacle for entertainment, particularly when done with comedic overtones. But it does feel like Out of The Forest Theatre Company manages to bring essential sensitivity to some important moments, rather than just creating the most sensational, voyeuristic show possible. The scenes where alternate possibilities are examined and discussed are the strongest, offering nuance and balance in a genre that is usually severely lacking in both of these things. Bury The Hatchet should appeal to true crime fans and sceptics alike—and those who just want a fun time at the theatre.
Southwark Playhouse Borough, 77-85 Newington Causeway, London SE1 until 5th September
Booking and full details: southwarkplayhouse.co.uk | www.outoftheforesttheatre
