Michael Eichler’s play Fresh Mountain Air is set in remote woods as three women meet to share a secluded cabin and go hiking. What seems a routine story on the surface soon develops into something far more sinister.
Kayla (Julia Thurston), Alyssa (Juliana Galassi), and Leslie (Olivia Cordell) are of similar ages but different racial backgrounds (white, Latino, Asian). They are cautiously friendly but reserved.
In a USA that ripples with racial tension, this is relevant from the start, as the three talk politics and cities. The books in the rented apartment include one on Jim Crow (the black segregation laws preceding the 1960s civil rights movement).
When the women return from their first planned hike, they find themselves in danger, isolated, and 20 miles from the nearest town. Their host doesn’t show for dinner, the radio imparts some unpleasant news.
When one of them finds a gun, the idealistic split between conservative and liberal views on the use of weapons becomes the focal point. Is causing harm under the guise of protection ever justified?
Penny Gkritapi directs this 80-minute play, utilising the space well with a sense of the outdoors and the unsettling noises of an unfamiliar house. It has an interval, which does break the thread of tension somewhat and isn’t really needed.
The acting is very good, although there were some line stumbles on press night. Thurston is especially strong as a sympathetic peacemaker, while Galassi does well in a difficult role requiring some emotional heft. Cordell’s role focuses fear and suspicion into snark and sarcasm.
Fresh Mountain Air is a piece that allows for quiet moments of bonding (a favourite song, admiration of the surroundings, planning a meal) while never losing sight of the threat that grows as the play progresses.
We have all read about how minorities are treated within the USA by police and citizens alike, and recognise the power of the gun lobby to hang onto their ‘right to bear arms’ regardless of the consequences.
This is just one story that could happen. The power of suggestion is strong. This is a strong start to the pub theatre scene for my 2025.
I’m giving it 4 stars.
Fresh Mountain Air continues at Drayton Arms Theatre until 18 Jan – tickets here.
Image credit: Káit Feeney