one4review | On 03, Aug 2013

****

Economy of Thought written by Patrick McFadden and directed by John Higgins is a dark comedy drama very definitely of our current social and economic times. The central character is Amanda (Katharine Davenport) who works as a high flying and ambitious investment bank analyst in the city of London. Aspects of her working life, love life and the tense relationship with her journalist sister Collette (Rose O’Loughlin) interweave as events lead her to question the direction of her role in the hierarchical structure of banking and her perception of her own personality.

The trigger setting off the dramatic action is an act of bravado carried out by Reece (Jonny McPherson), one of her work colleagues, during an anti-capitalism rally outside their office block. Reece exemplifies the shallow, arrogant, promiscuous, but clever, young city type.

The direction and staging of the play are impressive as scene follows scene in various locations. Items of the set are moved by members of the cast and morph into different functions with an almost balletic precision. Also, the percussive sound track between scenes enhances the increasing emotional intensity.

Reviewed by Ben

Assembly George Square; 3

1 to 26 August 2013 (not 12 & 19)

14.40 – 15.50

Fringe Programme Page Number: 277