The PPP series provides 50 minute shows with fairly limited production budgets. Before I get into reviewing the drama, it feels important to comment on the set. This provided a really strong visual impact before we'd even begun, with a nod to the chess based theme of the play, and a hint at how impactful the story would be.
Jamie (Testimony Adegbite) turns up in KFC, fast food in hand, portable chess set in his bag, and still in his school blazer. He's there to play his regular game with his pal. But, confounding his expectations, the opponent today is Kyla (Yolanda Mitchell), who doesn't even play chess. She is, though, the girl he has reported to the police as a victim. Surely that's a good thing? Kyla doesn't think so, because it's losing her her friends, and social status matters more than truth.
And so the game begins, but with higher stakes and no rules. Jamie wants to do the right thing, Kyla wants to be popular, both want the other to change their mind. For such a short play this script offers a lot to think about, concerning the pressures on teenagers today. Misogyny, racism, sexual objectification and social conformity, with some uncomfortable themes exposed.
Strong performances from both actors, with some complex choreography to deliver too. The script has also been given a few Edinburgh references, to make it more identifiable to a local crowd, a nice touch. Cheapo is the best of this PPP series to date, and sits comfortably in the long line of these productions that have tackled tough subject matter and left the audience with much to ponder on. Excellent.
