Temping @ Assembly George Square Studios

The job is simple: when people die, the temp logs it, and the workplace unfolds itself into a rich, soul-crushing world

Review by Rho Chung | 15 Aug 2022
  • Temping at Assembly George Square Studios

The set of Dutch Kills' Temping – written for an audience of just one – is almost too convincing. The desk is adorned with tropical vacation souvenirs, snacks, and well-worn office supplies. It is a smorgasbord of immersive tricks, with seemingly infinite items and nooks to explore from the comfort of your standard-issue office chair. Work tasks and instructions arrive at a steady pace. It is all too easy to slip into the monotony of office life – answering emails, searching for spreadsheets, digging through other people's office supplies – and, bit by bit, the workplace unfolds itself into a rich, soul-crushing world. 

The job is simple: when people die, the temp – that's you – logs it in a spreadsheet. But, as the job continues, mildly supernatural events lead the audience to consider the lives of strangers with more care. The corporation does not seem concerned in the least about a vague influx of deaths. It is here, in the ideological heart of the show, that it unfortunately falls short. The notion that corporations don't care whether we live or die is hardly novel. If anything, it feels like Temping underestimates both the shocking evil and mind-numbing mediocrity of corporate environments. The voice performances do not always match the realism of designer Sara C. Walsh's impressive set. They are, at times, too polished. They hardly resemble the provincial actuaries who have never been out of state. 

While the narrative structure and execution of the show leave something to be desired, the physical environment is a triumph of design, innovation, and satire. Tiny delights – a working paper shredder, a drawer of assorted chocolate, a labelled stapler – lend Temping a truly unique and worthwhile freshness.

Temping, Assembly George Square Studios, until 28 Aug, run sold out