Here was an audience arrangement I had never experienced: the 'stagefloor' was in the center of the room with the seats arranged on opposite sides. Though this theater performance was also about war, I was less emotionally engaged as I was during War Horse. But I highly enjoyed the choreography and presentation--the movements were very clean and expressive. One of my pet peeves about watching student-run performances back at New Paltz is that the performers never exaggerate their movements enough to make it look good from far away--it may feel silly and weird, but at least the audience can see what's going on with the body! Of course, the difference in the quality between a college club and a professional theater are astounding.
I had a lot of fun watching the back and forth movement along the floor; I got a sense of urgency and chaos when all the actors were running with props. Speaking of props, I am always amazed by how much can be conveyed through the minor usage of a simple object, and particularly in Black Watch, the role of the pool table.
The heavy accents were a little difficult to understand at first, but at some point my ears got used to it. Also at some point I endeared myself to a few of the characters, so I felt a little sad when it turned out one of them died in the explosion. The final number was long, and although it didn't give a resounding 'end,' I think it fit the uncertainty that soldiers face after they return from war. Things aren't over, but it's difficult to pick up the threads of an old life.
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