****

Grant O’Rourke’s completely enthralling performance as Mike Daisey is chilling. He exposes how capitalist America is in league with communist China in a conspiracy of global dimensions.

He opens in a light-hearted way. He is a young man of our times. He is a technology geek. He loves buying new technology, even smelling it. Apple and its products have defined his existence. More seriously, he charts Steve Jobs career to become one of the most influential individuals of our times, perceiving him as a dictator-like figure who has been at the forefront of our technology driven society. Think of the phrases ‘further upgrade’ and ‘apps’.

Steadily through undercover reporting, the world is beginning to realise the collusion between US Corporations and the Chinese Government. What is the common factor? Determined ruthlessness. Mike Daisey visited the factory zone of one Chinese city and, in the guise of an American entrepreneur, he discovered the brutal conditions of the workers making the components which go into our lap tops and iPhones. When labour is young, cheap and plentiful, it is not necessary to practise acceptable health and safety standards.

Gavin O’Rourke is an eloquent speaker and when he recounted what was witnessed in China you could hear a pin drop such was the power of his imagery. He left us with uneasy thoughts as to the full extent of the meaning of the word virus.

Reviewed by Ben

Gilded Balloon Teviot: 14

1 to 27 August 2012 (not 14)

14.15 – 15.15

Fringe Programme Page Number: 254