IT is a privilege to have experienced the tension in I Know where the Dead are Buried by highly acclaimed playwright, Matthew Dunster at Sacha’s Hotel, Manchester. Like all 13 new plays in the 24/7 theatre festival it was submitted anonymously and chosen on its merits.
This jewel in the festival’s crown is about racial tension. It asks what makes a racist? Is it taught or is it inborn? Later we ponder what makes a murderer and what motivates him or her?
There is even mention of the police telling the local rag to hide the truth to avoid inciting hatred. Echoes of the News of the World case?
Our attention never wanders as we try to work out what makes the, mostly, mentally disturbed characters tick. The four white men all belong to a far right party and each, in his own way, displays hatred of immigrants.
The one woman (Rachel Austin) is emotionally damaged by a sadistic father.
Not only is this exciting gem beautifully written but under Laura Keefe’s direction, is well performed. I especially like Tony Hirst’s Harry, a violently racist, friendless bully who, incomprehensibly, also works as a children’s entertainer.
The actors build up the tension to fever pitch until it explodes.
Jenn Goodheart-Smithe’s sound design is realistic and perfectly timed.
*For more information and to buy tickets, log on to 247theatrefestival.co.uk. The festival continues in various locations until 29th July Star rating: * * * *
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