Debris at Theatre Peckham Review
Written by Annie for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
The Peckham Fringe has returned for its 40th year, and as expected, the programme is packed with a gloriously varied mix of shows - some of which are returning to the stage and some new works.
Last night saw the opening of “Debris” in the main theatre. Debris is a new comedy which explores the complicated and differing opinions between a couple over the matter of their breakup. To make matters even more complicated, Kaia has written a play on the subject, and it is quickly gaining attention, making it an even harder pill for Tom to swallow. The couple meet up a year after their break up, where Tom confronts Kaia over the play, and how upset he is. The two clearly are never going to see eye to eye, but instead battle one another over the order of events.
Eleanor Cowlin’s script is very cleverly written, intertwining the couple’s interactions with the play rehearsals where the “on stage” versions of the couple act out the pivotal moments of the relationship. Slowly, the two worlds intertwine, and the truth becomes more ambiguous. What initially seems quite clearly weighted towards one side is opened up to enable the audience to question how “right” or “wrong” both parties were, and even if one person was more “wrong” does it entirely discredit their motives and feelings? It’s a clever insight into the complexity of the loss of love within relationships.
Cowlin’s exploration of the characters and their development throughout is intricate yet so subtle it creates an incredibly organic atmosphere in which the audience are entranced by the story without any force. The characters feel real, lived in and are exceptionally explored given the 85-minute run time.
Lev Govorovski’s direction, alongside Cowlin, brings the script to life. Honouring the simplicity of the play’s story, and being much more about what is said - the direction enables us to immerse in the world without distraction, and does not try to over-embellish the play or take away from the script.
Some of the middle scenes felt slightly elongated or stagnant in momentum, but given the final concluding scenes, they made more sense, and perhaps something with revision could improve this already impressive play.
Kaya Slawecka-Williams and Tom Hunter play the avoidant couple with great talent, finding the balance of awkwardness and compassion that many will be familiar with when confronted with an ex. They’re hesitant to speak out of line or upset one another, but it’s evident the amount of hurt that is present, as well as long lost love. Countering them are their on stage personas - Maya Lewsey and Alastair Ellery play Tim and Kate with comedic success, and adapt to the “live” changes making the whole interplay feel more sterile and inorganic which aids the complexity of the couple’s argument.
Overall, Cowlin’s play is a very successful insight into the complexity of relationships and the struggle of moving on with unresolved tensions. It’s a beautifully written script that feels honest, real and understood. It was a joy to watch and I hope to see it transfer after the Peckham Fringe to continue its trajectory.
Debris plays at Theatre Peckham from 11-13 May.
★ ★ ★ ★
