Sweat at Royal Exchange

A real excited buzz in the air at the wonderful and unique Royal Exchange Theatre for this most recent production of SWEAT, the play by Lynn Nottage ( first production 2015, Broadway debut 2017 ) directed by Jade Lewis, starring Pooky Quesnel and Carla Henry. Packed house chattering away, great anticipation for the show.

This play was written after Nottage read in 2011 about Reading, Pennsylvania where almost half the population were below the poverty line, caused by mass industrial redundancies and impacted by the opioid epidemic. She spent months interviewing locals of all types and realised they felt as if they had no hope and longed for the recent past when life was comfortable and felt positive, with jobs and a strong community.

The characters are, three girl friends, the local bar manager ( ex employee of the factory after a workplace injury ) the sons of 2 of the girlfriends, husband of one, a probation officer and bartender.

The staging remains the same throughout, simple and austere, with small scene changes and lighting  to show inside and outside a bar, a probation office and a home interior. There is an industrial feel to the whole thing, no frills or tasteful decor, this is all function.

The probation officer has 2 charges, both very different in outlook but linked all the same. There is guilt, frustration, fear and rejection haunting both. We are left initially uncertain as to what brought them to this point.

The 3 girlfriends are first seen in the local bar, where the characters meet, banter, socialise, celebrate and swap stories. They are workmates and close friends.

There is initially pride in the way they talk about the length of service in the local industry, and family involvement too, though the pay is good, the work is hard and there are risks. One son is headed to college, paying his way by working overtime at the factory, another wants to buy a motorbike and live freely. All have dreams and life seems good.

There are reminders of the times and a sense of foreboding as newsflashes about an upcoming election, sub prime mortgage crashes, redundancies are broadcast on the TV in the bar, though no one takes much notice.

There are strong lifetime friendships and loyalty, particularly between Tracey and Cynthia, but this is tested by changes in circumstances, jealousy and bitterness drive people apart. Uncertainty and feelings of betrayal lead to anger, blame, scapegoating, racial tensions and, ultimately, a violent act.

It was most affecting to see how relationships changed and deteriorated as life became more uncertain. The hopelessness of poverty and addiction was also portrayed very effectively. The desperation of people who once had seemingly so much, to be left with nothing was clearly evident and very moving. The acting was superb.

Tracey ( Pooky Quesnel ) is a smartmouth whip crack of a woman, feisty and fierce. Cynthia ( Carla Henry ) is ambitious for herself in spite of relationship woes and just wants the best for everyone. The 2 friends Jason ( Lewis Gribben ) and Chris ( Abdul Sessay ) are endearing. The barman ( Jonathan Kerrigan ) is a calm mature presence during hysterical moments and fractious times. The whole cast were impressive and the entire production was absorbing and thought provoking, certainly as relevant today.

Many thanks to Royal Exchange Theatre box office and front of house staff and also Rivals Bar staff.

This production is on until May 25th, highly recommended.

More here 

Photo credit Helen Murray.

Published: 4-May-2024 (7464)