horizontalMultiple layers of truth weave in and out of one another in David Leddy’s Horizontal Collaboration, a play with a premise like no other. Each night, a different cast of four actors walks onto the stage without knowing a thing. Nope, not even the script.

We discover that each cast member is a lawyer, and that this is a tribunal. Facing each actor is a laptop, from which they read out interview transcripts. And thus unravels the story of Judith K, an educated woman married to a recently deceased African warlord.

The disclaimer that we get at the beginning, whilst foreboding, is also very titillating. The cast know nothing. The events that are to be discussed are of an unsettling nature. Leave now if you think this will upset you. How exciting.

The subject matter is grim: deceit, rape, gruesome murder and corrupt UN soldiers. The more the proceedings try to uncover the truth, the murkier everything gets. Starkly contrasted with the deadpan way in which the actors read each witness’ testimony, it makes for uncomfortable listening. The score, comprised mostly of atmospheric minimalist compositions also provide a harrowing contrast to the proceedings. Steve Reich’s ‘Clapping Music’ adds a much-needed layer of tension to the rather dry dialogue.

It’s a unique premise and, on paper, very clever. But with little to add to the word heavy, action light script, it’s quite dense. The talking is nigh on incessant, and things move a little too quickly. The sheer quantity of information is overwhelming and, coupled with the frequent reminders that interviewees often tell outright lies, makes following, let alone untangling this fraught tale, a difficult task. But with the testimonies of different witnesses gradually leaking more information, Horizontal Collaboration is a mystery to be unravelled and makes very clear that the law is far from omniscient.

Horizontal Collaboration plays at Traverse until 24 August (no performance 18 August) as part of the Edinburgh Fringe. For more information and tickets visit the Edinburgh Fringe website.