Chris Thorpe and Rachel Chavkin have developed a show in which ‘confirmation bias’ demonstrates the inbuilt tendency in people to observe and understand the world through a lens that seeks to reinforce their pre-established beliefs. Thorpe explains that the effect of ‘confirmation bias’ is often more powerful for emotionally charged issues.
The show is an investigation, of sorts, into this phenomenon, in which Thorpe does a little bit of science, plays a little bit of music, and comes at racial bigotry and political extremism from all angles. The first half, or thereabouts, would make a lively but formulaic university lecture, but the second half proves why this had to be a theatrical piece. That is where Thorpe shows us Glen, a character that is hard to forget, even the next day.
Glen (not his real name), the real National Socialist who spoke with Thorpe and who is now a politician, is alternately described as a Nazi and a pillar of his community. This is where things get really interesting. Thorpe slips in and out of Glen-speak so naturally, and at several points it is hard to discern who is saying what. I imagine that’s the point.
The show lasts 80 minutes; for most of the time, there is an intrinsic tension, one that Thorpe ratchets to its full tilt. Far from the TED Talk that the show initially recalls, there is a sense of jeopardy here, a subterranean discomfort. Might Thorpe have been convinced? Might his mind have changed? If so, what are we to do as an audience? How are we to respond?
For almost the entire show, a microphone and a single chair are his only co-stars. It matters not. Thorpe comfortably commands our attention with both body and voice, without ever employing “staginess” or artifice. He is an adroit, yet loose performer. Frequent shouting throughout does mean that a couple of moments lose their punch towards the end of the performance, but his stage presence is undeniable.
While the show may inform the audience less than one expects at the outset, throwing more questions up than it answers, this is no bad thing. It has been a while since I saw a show so spirited and persevering in its pursuit to challenge an audience. Theatre like this gets you in the gut. It makes you twist in your seat and listen and think at speed. ★★★★☆ Will Amott 2nd December 2015
