Theatre Review

The Bush Theatre presents the European premiere of

2,000 Feet Away

by Anthony Weigh

Directed by Josie Rourke

Bush Theatre

11 June – 12 July, 2008

Couzens

A review by Tim Jeeves for EXTRA! EXTRA!

Generally considered worse than both rape and murder, paedophilia is possibly the most condemned act that an individual can perform in our society. To approach it dispassionately amongst censure is nigh on impossible. Whether in conversation, on stage or in a review, to attempt to understand paedophilia in a more subtle manner than the utter condemnation of the tabloid press is to tread on dangerous territory.

For this reason, even if for nothing else, Anthony Weigh’s new play deserves praise for its bravery (the title comes from the law in Iowa that states that convicted child abusers aren’t allowed within 2000 feet of children). Thankfully though there is plenty else deserving of accolade.

Weigh’s central protagonist, and the vehicle used to negotiate the moral minefield of under 16/adult sexual relations is the Deputy Sheriff of the small town of Eldon. After handing out an eviction notice to A.G., a convicted offender who lives with his parents and within 2000 feet of a nearby school, he has to find him somewhere else to stay. After A.G. spends a night in the cells because there is no where else for him at such short notice, the deputy escorts him to a motel at the edge of town, which is, already full of convicted paedophiles.

Caught between the fear that verges on lynch mob paranoia of the community that they interact with and a developing understanding of A.G. that doesn’t quite correspond to this condemnation, the Deputy has to attempt a reconciliation of the two conflicting realities.

Supported by a very talented cast, who are well able to do justice to Weigh’s ability to create a believable character in very few lines, Joseph Fiennes’ Deputy and Ian Hart’s A.G. are outstanding as they travel through the community.

The spoiling of innocence is the root condemnation of paedophilia, but Weigh on a number of occasions argues that a more realistic vision of what children can be like may, at times, be necessary.

The boy that A.G. has a relationship with, only seen in the opening scene, freely admits that he tries the doors of his neighbour’s house at night in order to ‘Go to their bedrooms maybe. Watch them sleep maybe. Stick a brick through their skulls. Get into bed with them. ‘Maybe.’ In another scene, the contract written on the back of a perfume soaked cigarette packet, sent to another convicted sex offender in the motel by an eleven year old girl create a clear impression of who is in control with its demands for cheeseburgers, money and cigarettes – the final demand is that ‘You’re not allowed to touch me. Only when I say so.’

In a world where children are deemed responsible enough for their actions to be locked up if they commit murder, is it inconceivable that they could be willing participants to a sex act?

For raising this ambiguity in such a delicate and believable manner, Weigh well demonstrates his skill as a playwright. A.G. himself says that ‘I’m not like the others. Some of them. They disgust me. As much as they disgust you.’ This reviewer, and I’m sure I wasn’t alone amongst the audience, found myself believing his words. Magnificent.

11th June – 12th July 2008
Ticket Info: £15 / £10 concessions
Box Office: 020 7610 4224

www.bushtheatre.co.uk

Saturday Matinees 21, 28 June, 5 & 12 July | All tickets £10
Signed Performance 28 June | 3pm
Audio Described Performance 9 July | 8pm
Captioned Performance 8July | 8pm

Important Information
Sorry, we are out of tickets for 2,000 Feet Away.
However, there is a limited allocation of tickets held for Bush Patron members.
Call 020 7610 4224 for information on becoming a Patron.

Also, there will be a limited number of day seats released
at 10am on the morning of each performance.
These will available to book online only. Two per person

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