DNA

Unity Drama Group start the year with the hard-hitting DNA by Dennis Kelly, usually known for his verbatim plays, tackles the subject matter of youth and killing. It examines how young people respond to the threat to their personal security and how fear can make you act – leading to dangerous consequences: exploring gang culture, social responsibility, morality, bullying and being leader of the pack. It does not paint youth in a good light and as an actor you have to balance what you are doing onstage from reality in order to make it work and have a commitment to the character.

There are eleven characters in the play and the DNA theme is a microcosm of a wider society, the linked strands that wind around each other much like the characters in the play. He questions: are behaviours learnt or in us all.

The set was simple and had three large triangular stands that the narrators turned around for each scene - a street, woods and sunset. Lighting worked creating an atmospheric setting for the piece. Sound and Lighting by WS Productions LTD.

Costumes all looked in keeping defining the individual characters. Prompter was Catherine Roe.

Philip Walkden is the director and took a chance on this often-shocking piece of drama albeit a short play. First performed in 2008 it is now a GSCE set text piece. . He is clearly proud of the group and what they have achieved.

The characters that act as narrators and move the action along and also moved the scenery were Mark played by Amellia Rose and Jan played by Ruby Leader.

Cathy was played by Nellie Roe-Morton. Alex Robinson plays the sensible Danny who is thinking about their career and doesn’t want to jeopardise going to college.

John Tate played Ash Campion starting as the intimidating leader but soon gets overthrown. Lou played by Mkenzie Payne is the scared one and causes most of the fear and tension in the group - I liked your energy. Jack Farrell played Richard as the one who starts to think about how things were and becomes less angry.

Tayla Smith plays the put upon Brian, who does all the dirty work for everyone and is unable to stand up to their peers. Leah played by Connie Roe-Morton has the bulk of the lines and often large monologues to a character that does not answer them but just keeps on eating. It is ambiguous whether Connie and Phil are in a relationship. Phil is played by Keira Markland as they munch their way through various foods including waffles which are covered with precision in butter and jam. Phil is silent in conversation with others only taking charge when they want and driving the narrative as in do as I say.

Last but not least is Lexie Smith who plays Adam/boy. It’s hard coming on at the end when everyone has established their characters but Lexie did a fine job and I think the emotion you played out was spot on. Adam is like a seperate person and their mental health is very much in question and only a few notice this.  Well played Lexie.

I am aware doing something like this is hard and the subject matter may go against what you would prefer to do. If there is one thing I would say to you it is please be secure on your lines (I know illness played a part), but just for context when there is silence, script jumps or prompts we as the audience lose our way in the story and you lose focus by looking at the prompt: As you have worked so hard to bring this play to the stage.

Thank you, Unity Drama Group for the warm welcome and I look forward to your next show.

 

Liz Hume-Dawson

District 5 Rep

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