Anna (Jasmine Blackborow) is nursing a damaged nostril. She’s drained, overworked and has been hit by a member of the general public. David (Lewis Shepherd), dressed as a leprechaun, is drunk. He’s clumsily apologising for the assault carried out on Anna by his brother-in-law, who can be drunk and overreacted when Anna tried to deal with him. It’s okay although, as a result of he guarantees her he’ll give her glorious suggestions on-line… Anna is a junior physician in A&E and this opening alternate between the 2 characters epitomizes the contradictory relationship the British public has with the NHS: we adore it, will clap…
Rating
Excellent
A fiercely related exposé of the human value of sustained underfunding throughout the NHS, carried out utilizing humour and horror in equal measures. An emotional and transferring expertise.
Anna (Jasmine Blackborow) is nursing a damaged nostril. She’s drained, overworked and has been hit by a member of the general public. David (Lewis Shepherd), dressed as a leprechaun, is drunk. He’s clumsily apologising for the assault carried out on Anna by his brother-in-law, who can be drunk and overreacted when Anna tried to deal with him. It’s okay although, as a result of he guarantees her he’ll give her glorious suggestions on-line… Anna is a junior physician in A&E and this opening alternate between the 2 characters epitomizes the contradictory relationship the British public has with the NHS: we adore it, will clap for the workers and publicly assist them, while looking for therapy for self-inflicted accidents, typically drunk or beneath the affect of different substances. We’ll abuse the workers, definitely verbally and typically bodily.
Super High Resolution focuses on Anna, who’s spectacularly overworked and beneath cared for. Experiencing probably the most excessive psychological strain, she works extreme hours with minimal discover, while being criticised by her sister for lacking household occasions. She has no management over her life, with the outcome that she has no mates. It’s not a well-paid job and there’s no additional time. Any prospect of promotion is years away. And but she will‘t consider leaving: after all it’s an honour to be a physician isn’t it? She’s spent years working in the direction of this level. Her household are pleased with her and her sister even desires her to steer her niece to enter the occupation.
The first half is fast-paced with fast, comically darkish dialogue, however as Anna’s private {and professional} life falls aside so does her psychological well being. Blackborow is excellent within the titular position: she encapsulates the torpidity ensuing from her powerlessness to handle her personal existence, and there’s a sense of inevitability of plot within the later levels of the efficiency. The lighting adjustments, the power drops and at a important level there may be full blackout with a soundtrack of beeping noises and rumbles. A visceral and deeply disturbing immersive expertise, it undoubtedly lasted for much less time than it felt. And what is intelligent is regardless of the inevitability of plot growth, the viewers doesn’t know the way the story goes to finish. Redemption isn’t apparent.
The set by designer Andrew D Edwards is achieved. Consisting primarily of hospital cubicle curtains, distinctive efficiency areas for every part are created by the performers merely opening and shutting the curtains themselves, while reflecting the transactional and swift nature of hospital appointments. Lighting Designer Prema Mehta has equally created some pretty moments. In designing an imposing shadow for a second of relationship growth between Anna and David, the monochromatic result’s fairly startling and permits for a pause within the ceaseless hospital life.
The change in tone within the two halves is intelligent and important in making this piece resonate. Too a lot comedy would have been brittle and trite; too many maudlin undertones would have created a caricature, though I do suppose the primary half would profit from a slight edit.
Super High Resolution is basically a play for our time; thought-provoking and transferring. Mental well being and wellbeing are high of many public agendas and but the individuals answerable for caring for us are being exploited and underfunded with no regard to their very own psychological well being. How a lot do you give of your self within the guise of caring, and to what finish? It’s exhausting to foretell who the Secretary of State for Health might be while you learn this, however whoever it’s, they need to watch this play.
Written by: Nathan Ellis
Directed by: Blanche McIntyre
Associate Producer: Eve Allin
Set and Costume Design by: Andrew D Edwards
Lighting Design by: Prema Mehta
Super High Resolution performs at Soho Theatre till 3 December. Further data and bookings may be discovered right here.