by Anne-Louise Fortune
When it Rains is a sixty-minute drama piece of Climate Fiction Theatre disguised as an examination of masculinity. The performance company is Never Mind The Peacocks!, a group of young performers who have collaborated with writer Natasha Brotherdale Smith to create the piece.
The action begins with a group of eight young men bursting into the stage, seemingly eager for some late-night fun beyond their curfews. So far, so normal teenage behaviour. The promised debates around masculinity begin almost immediately, as the group’s banter shows up an unwillingness to engage in homophobia or misogyny whilst still engaging in affectionately ripping into each other. These are moments of light-hearted optimism and positivity in a narrative which quickly descends into more negative actions.
It becomes apparent that we are in the near future. Much of formal society appears to have collapsed, and entire industrial estates are abandoned. The implication is that commerce has suffered a crisis, with the resultant loss of the roles by which people define themselves. However, education remains available, as there is much mention of the group’s days still spent in school.
The cause of this societal collapse is revealed slowly over the course of the piece. The group are living with the realities of a climate emergency – not the heat or floods predicted, but rather toxic rain, which quickly destroys anything exposed to it.
Xander, the self-appointed leader of the group, is all swagger and bluster, head of a rabble eager to look to anyone who speaks with authority for guidance. It’s a confused, muddled world they find themselves in – why is no one reporting the truth about the toxic rain? Why are people who just disappear never mentioned in the news? The willingness to accept Xander’s assurances that all is well allows the boys to hide from the truth that many of them fear.
Into the established routine of trekking to the group’s secret space comes a trio of interlopers. Less sure of themselves and operating off rumours, they have come to join the party they have been told will release them from their boredom.
With all eleven boys in the same derelict space, the rain begins outside, effectively trapping them. It is known that the rain causes devastation and, if unchecked, death, but scepticism is present amongst the group. Whilst some believe the reports that have emerged, others, including Xander, refuse to see what is happening. Eleven boys trapped in a small space with no adult supervision means that everything quickly descends into Lord of the Flies territory, with Josh, the quietest member of the trip of interlopers, quickly becoming a target for bullying. A perceived slight leads to an enraged Xander forcibly exposing Josh to the effects of the rain, and yet Xander refuses to accept even the evidence of his own eyes as Josh’s skin burns and melts as Xander refuses to show clemency.
As far as the examination of masculinity is concerned, it seems like the societal collapse has led to a resurgence of the Angry Young Man, with little hope and no dreams to cling to. The curfews, the destruction and dereliction, have all taken their toll, and this heady mix can only ever end in violence. Matters reach their horrifying but inevitable conclusion in a scene performed with deliberately frantic energy as Xander’s house of cards collapses around him.
We saw the show in its first performance, and there were, therefore, some technical and stagecraft issues. These should be overcome as the show settles into its relatively short run. The script could perhaps do with tightening in a few places, as there is some repetition and the occasional moment when more clarity would serve to propel the narrative with slightly more pace. Performed with occasionally frantic physical movement as a critical element, the performances are strong throughout, but particular mention should be made of the actors portraying Xander and Josh. Their characterisations were well-observed and convincing in their portrayals of young men struggling to find themselves in a world struggling to survive.
Overall, this is an intriguing show that makes a strong attempt to challenge perceptions of young men and their behaviours. It also asks us to question how much longer we can continue to ignore the devastating effects of climate change whilst offering hope that, even in the devastation, there will be some who are willing to use their resources to help others.
Delivered with nuanced performances of often difficult material and often very funny, When It Rains is a bold collaboration and a potentially important addition to the Climate Fiction canon.
When It Rains continues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe until August 12th, 2023
