Promises Promises

Synopsis

Given her disreputable past, retired teacher Maggie Brodie knows she was a last minute choice for supply cover. Being patronised by the idiotic young headmaster is an indignity she can just about endure. But her frustrations increase when a silent Somalian child in her class, whom Maggie is inexplicably drawn to, is believed by her family and community to be possessed. Maggie seems to be the only one who is outraged and protective of the girl. And if they don’t listen to her, she will be forced to take action. Drastic action.

Our Review:

Laura Norman - 4 March 2010

Faced with a one-hander it’s easy to feel a sense of trepidation - can a 90-minute monologue really keep you on the edge of your seat, mesmerised throughout? Douglas Maxwell’s Promises Promises does just that, and 90 minutes feels like nothing as Joanna Tope’s well-paced performance builds to the play's surprising final twist.

Maggie Brodie, a twice retired teacher, is asked to cover a short term supply teaching position at her local primary school. Here she meets Rosie, six, who is new, from Somalia and an elective mute. Community leaders have been brought in to the class, believing that Rosie’s silence is caused by devils and Maggie, feeling an intense connection with Rosie, must take action to protect her.

This is not an easy play. It deals with multiculturalism in education and asks how far is too far but instead of being a soapbox drama it is a real life struggle. It moves beyond socio-political problems and digs deeper, asking about the past and how it ...

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