in the air, a play written by Ashley Amodeo, who co-stars with Elly Hocking, has something different about it. The two actors invite someone out of the audience to toss a coin to decide who plays each of the characters, Chloe or Violet. At the performance this afternoon, Amodeo took on the role of Chloe; Hocking, Violet.
Chloe is on the balcony of an apartment block, sifting through a box of photographs left behind when her mother died. These are old photographs with people and situations she doesn’t recognise or remember. Also on the balcony is her neighbour Violet, and scenes between the two are rerun, repeated, or curtailed throughout the play.
Both characters display a range of emotions as the play unfolds, offering a hint at its secrets with every blackout. Chloe, an artist who is between ‘real’ jobs, segues between being fast friends and frenemies with her neighbour. Slowly, we start to believe that what we are watching may not be the full story.
The set design, by Seah Dragomir, offers opportunities to break the fourth wall by literally stepping out of the scene, while offering interesting props and a slightly disconcerting background. Director Elly Green allows the actors to interact within their areas, separated only by a drying rack with a few clothes.
in the air explores the relationship between mothers and daughters, grief and regret, and the humour of shared connection. As Chloe explores who her mother may have been earlier in life, and Violet offers the portrait of a put-together woman who oozes confidence and class, we realise these two have a lot in common.
There are plenty of moments of humour in this play, notably involving an unfortunate pigeon, while it is ultimately a moving watch for anyone who has lost a parent and perhaps had a difficult relationship with them. The artifice of having such short scenes and disquieting repetition keeps the audience on their toes, and the performances are exquisite.
I’m giving this one 4 stars.
in the air is supported by Theatre Deli & New Diorama Theatre. Although it has now finished its Camden Fringe run, I am sure it will reappear elsewhere. The production is also raising money for The Maya Centre, a women-only charity in the heart of Islington, who believe that no one should face trauma or hardship alone.