The Events (Birmingham)

Inspired in part by the mass shooting in Norway committed in 2011 by Anders Breivik, some expected The Events to be controversial and confrontational. It proves rather the opposite. Ramin Gray’s direction ensures the play is passionate and exhilarating, deeply intelligent and quietly moving.

It is in a Church Hall that we come to know the two main characters: Claire (Neve McIntosh) and The Boy (Rudi Dharmalingam). Both performers prove themselves exceptional actors, holding the attention of the audience throughout. Without any pretenses we are soon made aware of “the events” that came to pass: several members of the community choir (formed and conducted by Claire, a liberal priest) were killed in a mass shooting. Though devastation ensued from such horror, Claire, who survived the massacre, does not place blame upon the killer, but offers him her forgiveness. In forgiving, she does not forget – she cannot forget. She seeks answers, and is driven to destruction in her quest to find out “why?”. Why do bad things happen? Are people evil or “empathy impaired”?

Local choirs are invited to play an active role in the production, and on the evening I attend the cast are joined by The Birmingham Ormiston Academy Choir. Their role is an integral one, as scenes are aided by the beauty of their voices, and not only do they excel in the traditional; we are also treated to their rendition of “Sweet Dreams” by The Eurythmics and, more bizarrely, “Bonkers” by Dizzee Rascal.

As with everything, the play is subjective. We take from it what we wish and leave behind what we don’t wish to discuss. And we are able to do this as we have freedom of choice. It is a fundamental human right that we take for granted, one we have come to expect from today’s society of little restraint. For me, the play was defined in a single moment: in an attempt to stop her from leaving, Claire pins down her partner and spits upon her naked chest. The shock of the choir behind was apparent, as I witnessed several jaws unwillingly drop. One girl, appalled by the act of spitting, turned away. But I wonder if she turned on the news today, if she has heard that police are hunting for a man thought to be responsible for a series of needle attacks on women in Birmingham? If so, what would her reaction have been? Violence, worldwide and on our doorsteps is ever-present, but unless portrayed in front of our very eyes it is unlikely that mouths will slip.

The Events plays in The STUDIO at The REP, Birmingham, until Sat 23 November.

– Jenna Harvey