4.48 psychosis at the SiLo Theatre

By SHANNON HUSE

It is tempting to say that 4.48 psychosis is not for everyone. After-all, it is a play about a suicidal depressive written by a brilliant young British playwright who killed herself.

But then isn't depression the fastest growing disease in our modern world, and haven't we all experienced the early morning terrors when everything seems hopeless, pointless and unnecessarily painful?

Sarah Kane has written a profound and moving piece that creates quite a challenge for those staging it. The script lists the words to be spoken with no direction as to how many characters should be cast or even what sex they should be.

Directors Russell Pickering and Paul Gittins make mostly sure-footed choices, sharing the action between actors Abigail Greenwood, Peta Rutter and Anna Hewlett, three brunettes who could be slightly different representations of the same person.

They seamlessly shift the scenes from diary page, tortured mind and institution to kitchen table and bedroom and back again. There are some stumbles along the way most notably when scenes are played for laughs and the gravity and impact of the piece is compromised.

Rutter brings an emotional and intellectual depth to her performance that makes her eminently watchable. Greenwood also commands attention as she manages to be angry and fierce but also vulnerable. Hewlett is a darling of other reviewers but she leaves me cold, while she enunciates beautifully her performance seems hollow.

Contrary to the SiLo's cheap and cheerful reputation this is a production that looks polished. The brick and slatted wood set by designer Simon-John Coleman and moody lighting by Jane Hakaraia serve the story well, helping to evoke feelings of claustrophobia, paranoia and isolation. The score was composed and performed live by Geoffrey Doube and is the perfect soundtrack to a mental breakdown.

4.48 psychosis is not easy - it is a beautifully written exploration of the human condition in the 21st century that doesn't pull any punches.

* 4.48 psychosis is at the SiLo Theatre to 9th October.