Hell is Other People

Hell is Other People, presented by The Blue Room Theatre and Monkey Brain, is a wordless play based on the Jean-Paul Sartre play No Exit. Featuring similar characters to its inspiration, this incarnation is set in a waiting room.  

Telling a clear story that departs from the satire original but is grounded in its line “Hell is Other People” and the struggle to co-exist, the story is told through movement and occasional vocalisations, set against the struggle of an eternal wait. It has elements of Absurdism, and perhaps also of Theatre of Cruelty, in that audiences are drawn into the interminable wait (although admittedly this is only a 65-minute show).

The commitment of the performers is exceptional, and the four performers create an excellent ensemble. Nathan Di Giovanni plays The Worker, drawn from the character The Valet, and both observes and crosses into the world of those waiting, with wry amusement.  Tim Green (Sam), Lucy Wong (Marty) and Kimberley Parkin (Gia) work beautifully with and against each other, in performances that would be difficult to fault.

Performed on a stark set, with utilitarian carpet (that is the same as the office where I teach and many government buildings – admittedly triggering), Mathew Erren’s often stark and institutional and sometimes bold lighting is exceptional.

Despite the intriguing concept and commendable performances, I found this production made me feel unfulfilled – which is perhaps partly the point. I may be spoiled by having very recently viewed an excellent version of No Exit, so this may be an unfair observation. 

Hell is Other People has some interesting points to make and is a must see for fans of No Exit, and those who really love physical theatre.

Kimberley Shaw

Photo credit: BSP