"I’m okay, you’re okay, they’re okay, we’re all okay and in this together.” Between Us, Arcola Theat

By Ewan Stuart

The programme for Between Us is rather sparse… there are no directors notes, no little statement of intent, something by which I can rank it and determine whether the production is successful. Now I don't particularly want art to explain itself with notes - it patronising, and anyway the work should speak for itself. But as I sit here writing this review - I need it, I want it, how else do I justify the performance’s existence?

In form Between Us is rather simple and immediate, a therapist (Julia) performing her stand up routine is alternated with the confessions of two of her patients (Dave and Teresa). In this Daniels sets up some wonderful symbolism of performance as a form of therapy, and more darkly therapy as a style of performance. But whilst the format, style and themes are rich and involving there is something wrong with the production. It all feels far too flat, too easy by far. On occasion Between Us calls itself political fringe theatre - but it’s nothing of the sort, it eschews attacking the audience’s sensibilities in favour of a warm and homely conversation that fails to provoke action as political fringe theatre seems wont to.

Don’t get me wrong as I enjoyed this play: it is entertaining and intelligently constructed; the performances are honest (especially Georgina Rich as Teresa on whose every word I hung); the characters can be dark, perhaps even reprehensible; but it just feels very safe. And it worries me that the (largely) middle class audience that the Arcola Theatre attracts may not even notice the mirror that is being held up to their faces. Because it is in that mirror where Between Us makes the case for itself.

This is a play about how we rationalise the horrors we perpetrate against the less fortunate in order to feel better about ourselves. How we justify our actions because we ‘had no choice’ or ‘we were young and foolish’. The way we rationalise away the horror, the shame, the guilt. Daniels uncovers all of this, but doesn’t quite expose the hypocritical and exploitative heart of middle class england, that desire for everyone else to be culpable for their behaviour but never accepting that you are also a monster, the comfort of knowing that your only failings came about because of factors wildly beyond your control… or at least, that’s how I’ve come to justify it.

Between Us: 28 May - 21 June at the Arcola Theatre. Click here for more information and to book tickets.

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