No Exit

No Exit is the play that spawned the line “Hell is other people”. Back by popular demand, Company O’s Fringe World production, takes place in the very intimate space of the QuARTer Gallery.

Three people find themselves in the same room in hell, condemned for actions in life. As they wait for whatever torture they will receive for eternity, they realise that the torture will come from each other.

Andrew O’Connell pulls double duty as director and the first character to appear, Joseph Garcin. Pleasant and polite, this carefully crafted performance gradually reveals a character that is not as nice as he first seems. Tatiana Dunn brings strength and power to Inez Serrano – bringing impact and a compelling performance throughout. Jessica Huysing gives interest and depth to Estelle Rigault, whose story, as it unravels, is fascinating.

The venue, which seats only about two dozen patrons at capacity, is essentially a repurposed fancy shipping container, and the front rows could theoretically touch the performers without reaching out. The French title of No Exit is Huis Clos, which essentially refers to a conversation in a closed room. We feel very much in a “closed room” despite the full glass wall in this space – which works well. The glass wall is used to strong effect by the performance – with characters using tit o look back at those alive. The production also starts in full daylight and descends into darkness during the 90min performance, which provides an interesting metaphor. (For those who are worried about the physical comfort of spending time in Hell, in a shipping container, in 37-degree heat – the air conditioning is lovely, and it is physically very comfortable).

The core cast are supported by a fourth character, a mysterious valet (well inhabited by Clayton Mitchell) and the gorgeous and occasionally haunting and disturbing underscoring from cellist Liz Gordon. Simple but effective lighting and design is provided by Justin Neil Mossel-Crossley.

This very famous existentialist work is part of many drama courses but is rarely performed – especially with such proximity and strength of interpretation. A must see for the serious student of the drama, but a great choice for anyone who likes their theatre raw and strong.

Kimberley Shaw