Slush Pile written and directed by L.T Hewitt is a dynamic and highly energised new play that follows three interns at a publishing agency in their endeavours to discover the next hit book.

In the publishing agency the nterns argue about the meaning of great literature. On one end of the spectrum, we have Iris, excellently performed by Pauline Marion, who is passionate, nerdy and fights her corner defending the canon and the never dying importance of Shakespeare. Her opponent is hipster Kai, played by Nicky Vatvani, who fancies himself a radical who only values contemporary literature, ridiculing any worshiping of the 'dead' writers. Caught between the two we have the dedicated novelist Jack (Aaron Devine) who finds himself in this internship in the hopes of publishing his own novel and tries to reconcile arguments between the two. A domineering archetypal boss Piscopia (Ariana Shaw) looms over them. Famous and charming actor Virgil Riga (Marek Lichtenberg) comes along for work experience for a new role and certainly brings some drama with his arrival…

L.T Hewitt directs a tightly knit ensemble and creates a palpable atmosphere and world of the publishing office driven by competitive idealistic youths who debate over their literary ideals. Hewitt poses interesting questions before its audience, surrounding the objectives of great literature; is it entertainment or social activism? Who is the ultimate judge? What fuels the artist, their social concerns or their ego and what keeps one creating if hope of fame and wealth is off the cards?

Hewitt's writing could benefit from some trimming to pack these themes in more concisely. At times, particularly in the first twenty minutes, the philosophical conversations around the meaning of art could be tightened to focus in more on driving the plot forwards. The writing is most powerful when sharp and pointed to fulfil character’s objectives. As the play develops and the plot unfolds the writing certainly becomes stronger.

This 60-minute comedic drama has wit, energy and flair, and hits home for any aspiring artists in the audience. Catch it at the Bread and Roses Theatre, running until the 24th March.

**** Four Stars

Reviewed by Viv Williams