Fringe review: NATION, ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall
Photo credit: Mihaela Bodlovic
Nation, written and performed by Sam Ward, is a deeply engaging and thought-provoking piece of theatre that blurs the lines between performer and audience in a way that only Ward can. This highly meta work invites us into a shared experience where we are not just passive spectators, but active participants in the unfolding narrative.
Ward's ability to make the audience feel both safe and involved is nothing short of masterful. He creates an environment where we are encouraged to look at each other, to be truly present, and to embrace our roles within the story. The intimacy of the setting, combined with Ward's compelling performance, draws us closer together, making us feel that we are all in this together. The roundabout staging reinforces this connection, reminding us of our collective responsibility in the tale being told.
As always, Ward commands the stage with ease, effortlessly guiding us through the story. His knack for audience interaction, so successful in his previous work We Were Promised Honey at the Soho Theatre, shines through once again in Nation. Here, he pushes us to consider not just the roles we play in the theatre but in life itself, making for a truly introspective journey.
The story, which centres around a town grappling with the aftermath of a terrible event, is one we are all a part of. As citizens of this fictional town, it becomes our collective duty to address the situation. Ward skilfully dips in and out of the narrative, constantly reminding us of our place in the world he has created. This conscious interplay between fiction and reality is both ground-breaking and consensual, challenging traditional theatre norms.
Nation is surely deserving to be seen , as it continues to explore and redefine what it means to be an audience member. Sam Ward has once again delivered a piece that is both innovative and deeply human, making it a standout at this year's Fringe.
**** Four stars
Reviewed by: Beatriz Do O
Nation plays at ROUNDABOUT @ Summerhall until 26 Aug, with further info here.