Architecting

A ruptured nation seeks to rebuild itself and narrate its troubled past. A lost way of life demands to be mourned despite its glaring flaws. A motley band of survivors gathered in a shabby bar in post-Katrina New Orleans become architects of both history and future in this “requiem” for modern America, a country shattered by the devastating Civil War that divided North and South.

Hopping backwards and forwards over the twentieth century, from the wreckage left by the deadly hurricane of 2005 to the near-apocalyptic aftermath of the century-old conflict, the play presents disaster as a catalyst for change. As ruthless venture capitalists Rhett Butler and Scarlett O’Hara rebuild the flattened city, their actions remember the similarly dubious post-war Reconstruction that took place over a hundred years ago.

In this devastatingly brilliant analysis of America’s cultural roots from two-time Fringe First-winners, the TEAM, Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind is revamped as a twentieth century blockbuster, stripped of its controversial racism in the quest for ultimate commercial success. “This is Gone with the Wind, this is MacDonalds, this is Nike,” the film’s wealthy patron optimistically proclaims as he too aims to build upon the cracked rubble of the past, reworking history through the retelling of a fictional story. But while some believe America’s chequered past can be concealed with the simple stroke of a pen, others long to blow what’s left to smithereens and begin the nation anew.

Collaboratively written by four members of the company and directed by Rachel Chavkin, this slick and intelligent production cements the TEAM’s reputation as one of America’s most exciting theatre companies. The breathtakingly talented six-person cast give compelling performances; combining straight acting with pure physicality they clamber about the set like a tribe of frantic monkeys, using every inch of available space. A use of varied media has characterised the company’s previous creations and this year’s theatrical blockbuster doesn’t disappoint: TV programmes, live video footage and sound effects are innovatively woven into the fabric of the two-hour-long production, which educates and thrills from beginning to end. The TEAM should prepare to free up some space in their heavily laden trophy cabinet, as a third Fringe First may well be heading their way.