On the face of it A Brave Face mines a familiar story about young men who go to war and find it harder than expected. Like ‘Pink Mist’ it features men in a post 9/11 conflict; this time to Afghanistan and this time featuring two men from Middlesbrough rather than Bristol. The major difference is that this is a production by Vamos Theatre who stage full mask unspoken word productions.
In a co-production with the Mercury Theatre, writer/director Rachael Savage has created a powerful narrative narrative about what happens to boys and their families when they suffer Post Traumatic Stress (PTS).
We first meet Ryan and his best made Ravi as they prepare to go off to fight. We don’t know why they go, but young men have always gone to war whether for glory, adventure or a guaranteed pay packet. What we do learn is that almost 18 year old Ryan has a cheeky primary school age sister Katie brilliantly played by Joanna Holden who in turns infuriates and pleases. His mum Jane provides the easy going domestic anchor in turn keeping the peace between the siblings and doing the laundry.
Transported to the rough and tumble of army training camp Ryan is one of the lads and together with Ravi and a new mate, Jimmy they are sent to patrol in a foreign land.
In scenes hauntingly framed by an original soundtrack by Janie Armour and Julie Doyle the mood is swiftly changed from a melodious harmonic to one of unseen menace as the boys go on sorties through the streets.
The unspoken narrative is skilfully told by the extremely talented five piece cast who completely master multiple characterisations and use the static but expertly expressive masks to portray a whole gamut of emotions. The masks could easily become barriers, but instead they focus attention on the story. The characters may look like puppets but are able to capture a deeper kind of humanism seen in the very best animation.
James Greaves as Ryan is the focal point of the story and his entirely affecting friendship struck up with a young Afghanistan girl who takes the place of his sister is tender and affectionate without straying into condescension or making a big political message.
The dreadful event which changes Ryan’s life is sensitively handled and shown without any loud explosions or lights to make the production accessible to those suffering from PTS.
However, the aftermath is shown with agonizing depth as Ryan becomes an alcohol dependant and socially ill prepared young man fighting his demons and unable to cope with normal family life. In the most poignant moment Ryan is literally thrown on the rubbish heap as he hides away from reality in a wheelie bin.
This is a powerful, imaginative and at times laugh out loud funny piece of theatre that demands an audience. A picture can tell a thousand words and Vamos show that soldiering on is the most difficult thing to do after a war. ★★★★☆ Bryan Mason 23rd May 2018
