The Breach

The Breach is a powerful and enthralling play getting its UK Premiere at the Hampstead Theatre. Set against the uncertain and challenging times of late 1970's America, Noami Wallace has written a heartfelt and raw exposure of what it was like to be an adolescent teenager living and discovering life back then. It deals with consent and ultimate betrayal surrounding a game of dare. What makes this dramatic and thought provoking is then juxtaposing the characters with their 1991 versions of themselves. By doing this we not only see and experience how much the 'dare' has messed up them and their sexual maturity, but also reveal the level s of betrayal and the lies that they have been keeping from each other. There are numerous plays today that are dealing with sexual consent and this stands out amongst the best of them.

Set in a non specific Kentucky, it is played out on a stark raked concrete arena with barely any place to sit; making it strongly confrontational and allowing the words their full potential. Director Sarah Frankom has masterfully pitched the battling and anxieties of the characters. She uses the distance between them physically on stage to portray the breach that exists deep within the characters. Only allowing the sister and brother any real physical closeness.
At the centre of this is Jude played by Shannon Tarbet (1977) and Jasmin Blackborow (1991), who is desperately trying to keep her younger brother Acton (Stanley Morgan) safe. Whilst also being his confidant in a family struggling to cope financially and emotionally after the death of their father in a work related accident. She allows two outsiders Frayne played by Charlie Beck (1977) and Douggie McMeekin (1991), and Hoke played by Alfie Jones (1977) and Tom Lewis (1991)to form a club in the basement of the house. There by allowing Acton the friendship he wants, whilst being able to maintain control. Little knowing how destructive this will be for all concerned; as the boys try to prove their worth and position within the club.

What is so brilliant about this play is seeing such a dramatic scenario where the shocking facts are revealed but the emotions are held under wraps. Even in the revelations we never see all. 'Nobody cries' Noami Wallace states as a note in her script which sums this up. This is a beautifully crafted and almost poetic production with stand-out performances from the entire cast that will have you thinking , reflecting and questioning for days after.