Review: US by David Persiva at White Bear Theatre 1 – 19 February 2022

‘US is a crucial watch, one asking for us all to connect with the emotional aspect of life’ ★★★★

Processing the various stages of love is perhaps one of the most important things that will happen within our lives. Confronted with the realities of navigating a romantic relationship, truths are laid bare - the person you’d initially paired up with, or thought you knew, years down the line, is someone you no longer see yourself growing old with. An exploration of the initial stages of a relationship vs the latter part, David Persiva presents ‘Us’, a tender observation of this relatable facet of life.

A well observed production, ‘Us’ intertwines the beginnings and the bitter ending of a couple’s relationship. Currently living together within a confined reality, the couple - played by Persiva and Naoimh Morgan find their interactions mainly concerned with the mundane, day to day technicalities. The romantic element of their partnership very slowly waning in comparison to their initial encounter. Persiva’s text, vulnerable and full of heart, the production perfectly instilling the emotional toil of constantly trying to find the middle ground with a partner.

Paired with David Frias-Robles organic direction, and the production’s living room aesthetic, the White Bear is transformed into an intimate one bed apartment. ‘Us’ is an honest, brave, authentic portrayal of the breakdown of a relationship and those crucial conversations had before that inevitable heart-breaking conclusion.

Persiva and Morgan are both endearing to watch, their chemistry down to earth, the evening a sustained back and forth between past and present, the said and unsaid. Offering a moment for us all to reflect on our own relationships and take a moment to observe the familiar. Us is a crucial watch, one asking for us all to connect with the emotional aspect of life. One asking for us to slow down and look at both ourselves and evaluate what is most important in life.

Read LPT interview with playwright/actor David Persiva here

US by David Persiva

White Bear Theatre in Kennington 1 – 19 February 2022 7pm

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

PLAYWRIGHT David Persiva

DIRECTOR David Frias-Robles

PRODUCER Gianna Kiehl

CAST Naoimh Morgan & David Persiva

LIGHTING DESIGN Joe Underwood

SOUND DESIGN Ben Paveley

Reviewer: Lucy Basaba is founder of Theatre Full Stop which she has run for 8 years. She also runs the Theatre and Technology Awards and Pub Theatre Festival. She is a graduate from East 15 Drama school where she studied BA (Hons) World Performance.