Factor 9, by Hamish MacDonald

By E.L. Hardy

The subject matter of Factor 9 is fascinating. Science and medicine aren't fields that are commonly addressed in theatre - as if the arts and sciences are perpetually forced to sit on opposite sides of the classroom, banned from conversing - but Dogstar Theatre bravely dispel the norm by drawing out the human, emotional currents from within this play's laboratories, hospitals and records - giving names and faces to numbers and statistics. Director Ben Harrison's medical heritage is apparent in his accuracy and attention to detail, as well as in his dedication to the careful representation of the forgotten haemophiliac victims of the infected Factor 8 and Factor 9 blood products.

MacDonald's Factor 9 is taken from the testimonies of Bruce Norval and Robert Mackie, two of the scandal's victims on the fight for the truth. Their stories are drip fed to us, sparingly at first and then in great gushes, from the perspective of the past, present and the future in no particular order. It's like someone muddled up the pages of the textbook, but we learn everything we need to by the end, give or take a few details inevitably missed. The ability of the actors - Stewart Porter as Rab and Matthew Zajac as Bruce - is unquestionable, but their enthusiasm and passion occasionally come at the expense of clarity; some stumbling, inaudibly gruff shouting, heavy handed treatment of props and narration delivered so quickly that essential information is lost.

The impressive set, designed by Emily James, ingeniously houses the action, despite the expansive years covered over the course of the play, and its visits to American prisons as well as Scottish hospitals, piers and living rooms. A digital display tots up the death toll and passing years, while stimulating photographs and maps clarify the confounding amount of information being thrown our way in direct address by the actors.

Factor 9 isn't as moving as the subject matter might allow but the content and design are worth the visit to Summerhall alone, and are certainly worthy of the venue's impressive reputation.

PS in short: A loud, ambitious and harrowing piece that leaves you with a lot of information and doubting who, if anyone, you can trust.

Factor 9, by Hamish MacDonald

Summerhall, venue 26

1st - 24th August (not 11 or 18)

13.55

★★★★

@postscriptjour

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