Work While They Sleep at Camden People’s Theatre Review
Written by Greta for Theatre and Tonic
Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in exchange for an honest review. All views are our own
Work While They Sleep introduces us to W., a sole trader desperately trying to fulfil the demands of her small business in a world that demands constant productivity. When hardcore juggling, personal sacrifices and large quantities of coffee are not quite enough to make her company stay afloat, she encounters a virtual work coach offering a way to make the most of “idle” hours.
We are introduced to the concept of “sleepworking”; a form of brain reprogramming that allows people to work while they sleep, all in the pursuit of maximum productivity. As W., dumbfounded and hopeless, accepts to give up control her physical and mental processes, her business outputs and reach increase – but at what cost?
Within an intensely physical production Gabi Flares demonstrates impressive stamina, with movement always precisely choreographed. Everything on stage feels in perpetual motion, mirroring the unrelenting, work-obsessed world W. inhabits - ours. The production physicalises the hustle in violent strokes, and conveys the eerie feeling of being switched on all the time well.
Alongside W., there is a narrator whose commentary W. can hear - and even occasionally challenge – giving the production an engaging internal tension and a few precious opportunities to see W.’s more unguarded, earnest side. The additional perspective is very welcome, especially as W.’s grip on reality becomes more tenuous and her super successful “dream version”, M., starts taking over.
The anti-capitalist discourse running through the piece is well integrated, particularly in the way it captures the pseudo-psychological, insidious corporate reframing of overwork as self-care. Projection is also used particularly well to support the worldbuilding and provide context for the audience; it is refreshing to see multimedia integrated in a way that feels meaningful rather than decorative.
Work While They Sleep retains a strong sense of identity and a unique voice throughout. Some important narrative elements, however, are unclear. There are several compelling strands that feel underdeveloped, and I found the ending and resolution somewhat rushed. The show’s message remains relevant and worth engaging with; with a few, more focused choices on character and plot, the script could come into its full potential and have a more resonant impact.
Work While They Sleep is playing at Camden People’s Theatre until the 16th of May.
★ ★ ★ ★