Anna @ Summerhall

Badac Theatre’s unflinching site-specific production of the life and death of murdered Russian journalist Anna Politkovskaya sets up shop at Summerhall

Review by Kayleigh Donaldson | 10 Aug 2013

Before I begin my review, I must note two things: one, a trigger warning that this show contains close-up scenes of attacks and rape, and two, my star rating is somewhat redundant. This isn’t really the kind of show you allot a rating of enjoyment to.

Anna Politkovskaya was a journalist known in her Russian homeland for her uncompromising dedication to the truth, even when it put her at risk. She was shot in the elevator of her apartment building, a case that remains unsolved to this day. Fittingly, Badac’s production takes place in a blank, airless white corridor accessible only by elevator to the Summerhall basement. The audience stand against the walls for the hour while the actors scream and shake before their very eyes.

A murdered soldier next to you screams for his mama until he’s red in the face and droplets of sweat fall to his feet. Politkovskaya is brutally attacked by sadistic soldiers at your feet. She repeatedly pleads for the audience to listen to her story and do something. Finally, after the journalist is shot and the performance is over, you make your way to the elevator and stand next to her still body, slumped onto the floor.

This is not an easy thing to watch. Badac have deliberately made the experience as difficult as possible to shake the audience out of their apathy, to force them to listen and understand the torment Politkovskaya and the people she interviewed went through. You can’t hide from this. There is literally nowhere to go. It’s hugely powerful, the act of theatrical voyeurism turned on its head, and it is impossible to fault its execution. Anna is uncompromising and never deviates from its intentions. It’s also the most difficult theatrical experience I’ve ever been through, and I have no desire to ever repeat it. If you feel that you are strong enough to withstand this extremely tough play, I highly recommend it, but it’s not for everyone.

 

Anna @ Summerhall, 20:30,Until August 25, £10.00/£8.00. https://www.edfringe.com/whats-on/theatre/anna