Live Performance Review - Love and Information
Images courtesy of Sassy Red PR.
Love and Information by Caryl Churchill (Top Girls, Cloud 9) is an interesting concept. It features over 50 scenes and more than 100 characters, all connected by the overarching theme of how much information we need to know each other.
The primary issue this play may generate for most first-time viewers will be the rapid pace and constant rotation of new characters and scenes, making it difficult to build up a connection with the setting and the characters presented. Each of the scene topics covered can vary in tone from some being serious, to others being more lighthearted and comedic. The complexity of each scene also has some variation, with some being clear in their messaging while others can be more difficult to interpret. The more nebulous scenes in particular can be a bit harder to remain engaged with, depending on watchers investing thoroughly in the story in the short amount of time you are given. As a result, the overall mismatch of tone between scenes can also make for a bit of a jarring experience. However, there are definitely a few standout scenes or personal audience favourites that will stick with you when the play has concluded. One of my personal favourites includes an intense discussion about what physical pain feels to someone who has no pain receptors.
The play does give the cast a great opportunity to showcase their range. This was definitely the biggest highlight, as the small number of cast members do a great job working with the amount of time they are given during each scene. The score during scene transitions also does a great job of setting the scene for the audience during the transitions. But there would be times where it would be distracting during the scene performances. Such as using the score to emphasise what the audience should be feeling rather than letting the actors convey it. The play could have also benefited from perhaps being a little shorter by cutting some of the weaker scenes and expanding on some of the stronger but underdeveloped ones. The feeling of the production being too long is also emphasised with an almost 2-hour runtime and no interval in between. Making the task of fully engaging with each scene feel extremely draining rather than immersive.
Love and Information is a production worthy of praise for the cast and crew. The standout performances and some interesting subject matter add up to a production worthy of consideration.
Follow Tyler on Instagram and Letterboxd.
Love and Information shows at Theatr Works from May 29th to June 14th. For tickets and more info, click here.