Overview
Dutch Playwright Carly Wijs' powerful hit work Us/Them tackles the Beslan school siege from the perspective of two young children who were caught up in the tragedy. The provocative piece delves into how the young deal with trauma and questions what leads people to do the unthinkable. It's bold, brave and short of remarkable.
In 2004 a group of terrorists attacked a school in Beslan, Russia, taking hundreds of children hostage and leaving hundreds dead. By capturing this terrible event through the eyes of the children, Wijs has created something unexpected, unique and revelatory.
Actors Gytha Parmentier and Roman Van Houtven bring a sense of innocence and light-heartedness to traumatic circumstances by using expressive movement and comical observations. Choreography and conversation are complemented by a minimalist set made from chalk lines, string, and balloons, which allows both the actors and the audience to cope with the unspeakable by constructing a world with its own creative logic.
The brilliantly compelling piece sold out at The Edinburgh Fringe and London's National Theatre and will take Q Theatre by storm with a run of four nights. Prepare to be taken on an emotional rollercoaster and don't forget to pack the tissues.
Image: FKPH.