Review: American Nightmare at Theatre503

© Kirsten McTernen

The USA—where success is achievable no matter your class? Alas, this is far from true in Matthew Bulgo's thrilling new play American Nightmare, a menacing futuristic psycho-drama that explodes the myth of the American Dream.

The well-conceived set from designer Delyth Evans, with its split stage adding depth and height to Theatre503's compact stage, reflects an extreme two-tiered American class system (the middle class has all but disintegrated). Upstairs insanely wealthy socialites do deals in swanky skyline restaurants while, downstairs, desperate lowlifes are confined to utilitarian cells in a remote military compound.

Award-winning Bulgo's dialogue is intelligent and compelling—often razor-sharp—and imbued with vivid metaphor (Clara's analogy about the palatability of cocktail olives had a particular sting). He contrasts the manipulative interactions between newly acquainted business 'associates' Clara and Greg, and poverty-stricken cellmates Daria and Elwood. Through each pair's elaborate mind games, Bulgo uncovers the bleak reality of social inequality and, more worryingly, forecasts frightening consequences in our not-so-distant future.

© Kirsten McTernen

Greg (Chris Gordon), a seemingly decent British civil engineer, is head-hunted by the elusive Clara (Ruth Ollman) who is also, rather disturbingly, a charismatic psychopath. Clara offers Greg a sinister big-bucks contract that tests his moral principles to the limit; will he bite? Meanwhile, Midwestern low-life Daria (Lowri Izzard) enrols in a mysterious social project along with redneck Elwood (Gwydion Rhys), who has inside knowledge of their new bosses' shady motives. Power shifts convincingly between the two recruits as they tease and tussle to make the final recruitment selection, closely monitored by their Big Brother-esque employers.

The couples' purposefully static scenes are punctuated by contrasting cinematic motifs of hopeless deprivation and successful capitalism thanks to wonderful projections from video designer Simon Clode. The restrained physicality, due to controlled direction by Sarah Lloyd, builds the tension gradually to a shockingly active climax. The minimalist set ensures the actors are fully exposed, and all four work hard to rise to this challenge. In particular, up-and-coming Izzard delivers some bitingly uncomfortable moments!

© Kirsten McTernen

This chilling, intriguing play comes to London as one of three works in 'The Violence Series': the inaugural touring production from renowned Welsh theatre company The Other Room. As such, it is a tremendous showcase for Welsh theatre—a gripping cautionary tale about the grim corruption lurking beneath the trappings of capitalism and the desperate lengths folk will go to get a bite of the olive!

Cocoa’s verdict: This refreshing, thought-provoking thriller is well worth a viewing, but be quick as it's another very short run!

⭐⭐⭐⭐

American Nightmare is at Theatre503 as part of a trio of dystopian dramas in TOR's 'The Violence Series' from 15–18th January.

Running time: 1hr 35mins (no interval)