Cafe van Der Brocke

This is a challenging production from a talented youth company. The cast present children surviving the Nazi bombing of Ypres who shelter in a devastated cafe in 1915. Many individuals enter this bleak yet comforting space, each dealing with the trauma of war. The cast handle this well, though there is a tendency to declaim and some unfocused movements. I’m happy with this as they are playing characters in an unbearable situation. Each character is well defined. Arlo Watts shines as Jan. They have a very effective set and costumes, with an evocative soundscape.