Capitalism collides with an older, wilder, harsher way of life in Zinnie Harris’s strange and memorable play. The acclaimed Scottish playwright’s breakout evocation of life on remote island Tristan da Cunha landed multiple awards when it first premiered in the year 2000. Here, emerging director Jennifer Tang’s Young Vic revival reveals much of its magic, without quite remaking it for a new era.
The opening scene feels hackneyed: a long stretch of fabric is wafted about to resemble water, while wavy projections and vocal ululations combine to create a non-specific sense that we’re in unfamiliar territory.
