REVIEW: TRANSGRESSION by Loretta Monaco at White Bear Theatre 16 – 27 January 2024

‘a family saga, touching on love, loss and loyalty’ ★★★

Transgression is a family saga set in the 1990s. The play explores the dynamics of a British middle class family struggling with the transgressions in the early stages of a marriage. The fallout from these transgressions simmer for decades and boil over into the life of their son and disrupt the family dynamic.

The stage is set for 2 separate locations. The actors seamlessly move between the two locations. The play begins with the married couple Hannah, played by Abigail Moore and Tom, played by Jonathan Hansler, struggling with the first transgression. This is a slow start to the saga with dialogue a little laboured and the pace slower than needed. The chemistry between these two actors is luke warm.

As the plot unfolds we meet the son, Graham, played by Bruce Allinson and Addie, played by Alexandra Etudor. The two actors bring a youthful energy to play. Their dialogue is performed with vigour and occasional good comic timing where required.

The play is interspersed with accomplished psychiatrist Hannah’s sessions with her client, Susan, played by Zara Hadeshian. Susan is tortured by an event from her past. These scenes are intense and heartbreaking, but ultimately disjointed from the rest of the play.

This 1990s family saga explores 1990s problems, with 1970s solutions, touching on love, loss and loyalty.

TRANSGRESSION by Loretta Monaco at White Bear Theatre 16 – 27 January 2024

Box Office https://www.whitebeartheatre.co.uk/whatson/transgression

Cast

Bruce Allinson

Alexandra Etudor

Zara Hadeshian

Jonathan Hansler

Abigail Moore

Creatives

India Day (Sound Designer)

Liberty Monroe (Set and Costume Designer)

Jodi Rabinowitz (Lighting Designer)

Fae Hochgemuth (Stage Manager)

Reviewed by Paula David