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Michael Cox reviews a production 'filled with good intentions'.
There is no denying that Pardon/In Cuffs has its heart in the right place. Performing on a revolving circular stage, three actors play multiple roles, portraying a number of accused offenders and the lawyers and prosecutors who advise them on what to do in court. The accused all look at their charges differently: some are proud of what they’ve done while others are desperate to convince they’ve done nothing wrong.
None of them, under any circumstance, wants to go to prison.
The commitment that all three actors give to their performances is commendable. Clara van den Broek, Korneel Hamers and Valentijn Dhaenens are excellent in swapping back and forth between characters, convincing in each portrayal. And the production does a great job in not only highlighting the utter fear that the accused feel in facing their charges but also in the monotonous and repetitive job that the lawyers and prosecutors have in dealing with such a large number of clients, many of whom say the same things and act the same way.
Which of course is a bit ironic, because if the production is guilty of anything it is that it does in fact feel a bit too monotonous and repetitive at times. While each character and moment is interesting, the play makes its case quickly yet continues to hammer its themes and beliefs again and again.
Perhaps a bit of a cut would serve the production better, but as it stands Pardon/In Cuffs is filled with good intentions but nevertheless feels like a sprint that runs around the track one time more than it has to.
Pardon/In Cuffs performs at the Traverse Theatre until August 30, 2015. Check website for dates and times.
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