Urban World

Central Lines: Inheritance

‘If you rob a bank, there might not be any money in it.’
I gave a hearty chuckle for a few moments along with the rest of the audience, but this witty one liner did carry some serious implications.  

Mike Packer’s contemporary drama - set in London - centres around how a family copes with the changing society, THE CREDIT CRUNCH!  I went blindly to Stratford Theatre Royal only knowing the name of the play, and relating it to, something to do with money.  The simple set design - five chairs with one looking suspiciously like an armchair with an old cloth thrown over it- led me to believe I was about to watch a play in development.  My thoughts were confirmed when I realised that the cast all held black folders in their grasp, their lifelines.  

Father Harry upon hearing he may have cancer decides to divide up some of his savings between his two sons Frank and Dave and put the rest in investments. Simple plot one might say, with a relatively obvious outcome.  However the simplicity grew to be a play for serious thought, extremely relevant in our changing society.
 
The credit crunch destroys something done out of goodness. The change in their circumstances, the loss of their money only makes room for unexpected behaviour from family members.  The play explores how money changes can affect the self and how you see those close to you.
 
Every character was recognizable and had flaws. Each could be loved, hated and served as reminders of people in our own lives. Dave ‘the waste of space’ the one with ‘no job’ who loves his ‘weed and coke,’ was the one who deserved a standing ovation.  He was believable because he embodied his character well despite reading from a script.  Unlike the others he was able to elevate, to project and demand our attention.  

Despite the off putting scripts that the actors so feverishly depended on, it was plain to see where credit was due.           


‘Inheritance’ was shown at the Theatre Royal Stratford