Grounded @ Traverse

Barack Obama’s recent defence of drones, despite the possibility of civilian deaths, suggests the controversial tactic will be creating more headlines in the future. George Brant’s one-woman show stars Lucy Ellinson as a sky-loving fighter pilot who is forced into the drone programme after giving birth to her daughter. 

Performing from inside a cube of netting, a nice visual metaphor for how she’s trapped by her career, Ellinson is electrifyingly captivating. Whether delivering high tempo angst or softly spoken excitement, her every word, expression and gesture are a happy substitute for the lack of other actors or props. The engrossing nature of Grounded is also a testament to the quality of the script, spilling over with meaty themes such as gender roles in the military, the debate over drones and the struggle of parenthood. One compelling issue mentioned is the seemingly arbitrary assignment of guilt, summed up in the line ‘The moment you step outside you’re under suspicion.’ Brant lightens the heavier motifs with emotively phrased visuals, particularly the constant allusions to colours, and through the juxtaposition of Ellinson’s bloodthirsty pilot also being a nurturing mother. This tender alter ego evokes empathy for the casually slaughtered anonymous victims. Sadly, Ellinson’s portrayal of the unquestioning, über patriotic sanctioned killer is entirely believable, making this an intensely powerful depiction into the mindset of (some of) those tasked with “keeping the peace” and their dismissive attitude towards the casualties of war.