Blame
T267162987
Mandy's flat, on an estate in Hackney, has no boundaries. People - her family, friends and officials - walk in and out as if they belong and there is no privacy. Laikeisha sees and hears things which a 10yr old should not. All the services are worried about her, but she avoids going into care because Raymond, Mandy's brother, keeps a close eye on her. He comes every morning and gives her breakfast and gets her to school. It's Mandy's birthday. Laikeisha has been sent to her nan's for the weekend and Mandy intends to have a good time and throw a party. During the party there are phone calls that go unanswered from nan. The next day the realisation dawns that Laikeisha is missing. In the midst of this crisis Mandy appears on the news as a victimised, devastated mother. For the first time in many years, she is given respect. That is in the outside world. Inside her world, recriminations begin. Who is to blame and what are we blaming 'them' for? Beatrix Campbell and Judith Jones' new play combines a forensic examination of contemporary British society. With customary humanity, their play takes us on a journey and investigation that reveals the English underbelly of warmth and compassion combined with a biting satirical wit that asks uncomfortable questions of us all. Recommended 14+
Archive :: production:T267162987, play:S02019940526, venue:V954
