Beyond Flesh and Blood

Synopsis

Beyond Flesh and Blood is a psychological thriller inspired by the news story of Josef Fritzel’s cellar, exploring the conflict between God and Sex. Grappling in the dark for sex, God and salvation. Christina regularly regains consciousness in her South London tower block squat not knowing who she is, how she got there, or what she has just been doing. Governed by opposing voices, the only constant in her life is Locust, a local environmentalist petitioning to save the giant sycamore tree on the estate. But what happens between him and the voices when they take over her mind and body....? Beyond Flesh and Blood is a dark and uncompromising piece of theatre exploring the themes of insanity, salvation, love, memory, sex and identity.

Our Review:

19 June 2009

Entering the auditorium, the set-up could not be clearer. Fragmented images of a tree and two giant, tortured eyes are accompanied by a shattered female voice intoning a Dies Irae of unimaginable anguish. The themes of Beyond Flesh and Blood are vividly etched even before the houselights have dimmed.

After such a promising augury the play itself proves to be thin stuff. Playwright Jason Charles’s theme is that tired theatrical cliché, the inner voice made flesh. The subject of a thousand improvs, it takes an Ayckbourn or a Peter Nichols to fashion drama of substance from a convention that too easily degenerates into tiresome hectoring – as it does here.

Charles’s woman in mind is timid, troubled Christina, played with vulnerability and gamine charm by Rhona Marlene. She lives an isolated existence but is by no means alone, plagued as she is by her brazen alter ego, Eva, and by the guilt-inspiring presence of her God-fearing late father. T...

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Latest User Review

Dan W - 23 June 2009:

The first thing I noticed as I took my seat was the minimalistic, yet disconcerting set. Actors become visible from behind red sinew-like strips on either side of the central stage with a white circle painted in the middle like a cage. All the while a dissected tree and demonic eyes peer down on me. I’m interested. Maybe it’s because I have not seen the “tired theatrical cliché, the inner voice made flesh” format in a while but I found the battle between the central character’s opposing personalities engaging. However, I would have to agree with WOS that the red for evil, black for recently deceased format was a tad obvious – though I can’t think of another way without confusing the audience. Apart from a few scuffed lines and a couple of shaky opening minutes I was impressed by the play. Actors worked well together with the occasional mirroring movements being visually fascinating. I wouldn't go so far as to say it was fun and enjoyable - suicide and rape are not enjoyable topics - but it is worth seeing. Though be prepared to pay £12 for just a 50 minute performance. ...

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