KYOTO, RSC’s Swan Theatre Review
Stephen Kunken as Don Pearlman in Kyoto. Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Written by Mia for Theatre and Tonic.
Gifted tickets in return for an honest review.
A lot happened in 1997: politically, socially and - it turns out - environmentally.
In recent years, the term COP (conference of the parties) is commonplace, especially with the rise of social media, but where did it all start?
Kyoto - by Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson - considers the journey the world took to get to this landmark event. Centring on Don Pearlman, the audience members are invited to be delegates and to witness this conference (and its predecessors) first hand.
It’s an interesting topic, which runs the risk of being dull and pretentious. Somehow it’s not. There is enough humanity and humour to keep it entertaining, whilst revealing what really goes on behind closed doors.
Pearlman (Stephen Kunken) is our villain, telling the audience his side of the story. As someone who knows nothing about this particular conference, it is quite shocking to think that only 30 years ago we had barely made any progress in terms of combating climate change. I was aware that certain companies had hidden their research into it (from the 1950s), but judging by the reactions in the audience, a lot of people were not. The script allows for shocking revelations, humour and pathos which provide a good balance; without the latter two it could have failed to resonate.
Set up as a conference, several audience members are sat amidst the chaos, and the staging feels intimate and claustrophobic, like we are involved in the decision, while the use of the water coolers to add credibility is a fantastic little touch.
The delegate input works really well, with a freneticism of activity as they fight for the floor, each determined to convince the others of their country’s stance. All actors are excellent, and it’s a wonderfully diverse cast; it really feels that you are witnessing history. Delegates for Japan (Togo Igawa), Kiribati (Andrea Gatchalian) and Germany (Ingrid Oliver) are particularly memorable and had me convinced!
Jorge Bosch (Raúl Estrada-Oyuela) is another actor that captures the audience, with a resigned humour and perseverance that feels entirely credible in his situation.
It is perhaps a little on the long side and the ending focuses too much on Pearlman, rather than the progress since or the real impact of Kyoto, which is a shame.
That said, it’s an excellent production that left me wanting to rush off to become a diplomat, do more for the environment and visit Japan.
★ ★ ★ ★