ZillaDespite the difficulty of finding the location, this is a play which is definitely worth a long journey. The whole environment and set-up help to build curiosity and interest before the actors even take their place behind their desk, to begin their version of events.

The basic grey environment seemed to fit the grey and deep subject of the show, which was about normality and destruction. The environment seemed to become a part of the words and voices, and make everything feel related. The grey walls and floor were perfect for Zilla as it helped keep the focus on the actors and their words, rather than the set becoming a distraction and allowing the mind to wander. The simplicity of the environment also worked perfectly with the tone of the play and helped to engage the audience as each word echoed around, creating a feeling of interest and subconscious excitement. The echoes allowed each word to linger in the air and be processed by the audience before the sentence was completed, making each word have its own impact and importance. This pace worked well to hook listeners, as you were constantly awaiting the next word before being able to make sense of what you were being told. This made you eager to remain listening, to make sense of and decode the message you were being given.

Engaging with the audience at the beginning and end of the play helped to create a sense of reality, and to remind you that everything that being discussed is apparent in today’s society and relevant to each of us. This is why I think giving each audience member a character  (a Lego person) was such a fantastic idea, as it brought you, as your character, into the fictional city and helped to make it seem more real, extending from a chalk drawing on the floor. The direct language helped you to relate the content to your own life and issues. There was something for everybody to be able to recognise, ensuring everybody would be able to connect and to imagine they too could be a part of this created world. It used the perfect amounts of subtle comedy and just the right amount of seriousness.

I found the continuous drawing as the other actor was speaking to be a little distracting, as I was desperate to know what was being drawn. However, the end result was fantastic and the perfect way to close the play, as the re-involving of the audience helped to bring the story through a full circle. This play was different from anything I have ever seen, but hugely interesting. I would advise any serious theatre fans to attend the other two parts whilst they have the chance.

Zilla is part of Mayfest in Bristol. Visit the Mayfest website for details of Parts 2&3.