Digging up misogynistic roots
A harrowing tale of the enduring violence of misogyny, Sophie Swithinbank’s play Sting offers a glimpse of hope amidst the darkness, writes Melina Block.
When the arrival of Ash (Adelle Leonce), the new assistant, disrupts the quietly ordered world of feminist archivist Lily (Phoebe Ladenburg), the women form an unlikely bond. As they investigate the suspicious, ritualistic deaths of a string of women, the similarities between the Witch Trials recorded in their archives and the ongoing reports of the current attacks grow stronger. The sinister presence of Ash’s boyfriend, Dom (Nick Blood), looms darkly over both women’s work and lives, until it all comes to a dramatic head.
It would be tempting to call Sting a timely play, with its exploration of urgent issues surrounding violence against women and the corrupt institutions that often do more harm than good for victims. But where Sting really succeeds is in drawing a line between the past and the present, digging up the misogynistic roots that lie beneath centuries of gender-based violence; in that sense, it is, unfortunately, timeless.
Particularly striking is the moment Dom, after visiting Ash at the archive, gets dressed into his work uniform; it turns out he is an officer with the Metropolitan Police. The audience doesn’t breathe a sigh of relief—quite the opposite. Given the unusual events that have occurred up to this point and the pervasive sense of danger, that this moment elicits more fear and apprehension than relief is a testament to the show’s commitment to laying bare the grim reality of a society which systemically fails women.
While some of the scenes in the second half of Sting could perhaps have been slightly trimmed, tightening the overall pace and maintaining the tension built so well at the start, overall the show is gripping. Leonce’s nervy, frenetic energy contrasts well against Ladenburg’s reserved yet self-assured portrayal of Lily, with Blood so convincing as the repulsive Dom that it actually felt strange clapping for him at the curtain call.
A disturbing but important piece of theatre with a lot of potential, Sting is one that will stay with you.
Young Vic until July 18th.
Booking and full details: https://www.youngvic.org/whats-on/sting
