The cast of The Fear of 13 at Donmar Warehouse. Photo credit Manuel Harlan.Time’s passing — be it at a languid pace, or seemingly in the blink of an eye — is pondered extensively in FEAR OF 13 currently playing to packed houses at the intimate Donmar Warehouse. Written by Lindsey Ferrentino and directed by Prima Facie’s Justin Martin, the story recounts the unfortunate real-life circumstances which caused Nick Yarris (Brody) to spend 22 years in prison on death row for kidnap, rape and murder and is largely based on David Sington’s excellent 2015 documentary exposé.
On Miriam Buether’s square set with a secondary passerelle, (which effectively layers the audience in amongst the action), the supporting cast of Michael Fox, Aidan Kelly, Posi Morakinyo, Cyril Nri, Tommy Sim’aan, Ferdy Roberts and Matt McClure parade and jockey as an array of harangued inmates, intimidating wardens, judges, lawyers and sundry supporting characters in Yarris’ tragic, decades-long fight for justice. The circumstances which led to his incarceration are gradually peeled away by Jackie Schaffer (a gentle and assured Nana Mensah) who through her volunteering work develops a friendship and then falls in love with book-reading Yarris. This leads to her spearheading efforts for reevaluation of his case due to the paucity of proper courtroom consideration at the time of his conviction, and the availability of new DNA testing of physical evidence gathered at the crime scene. As the years pass and appeals get bogged down in red tape and incidents of evidence contamination, their love comes under increasing strain leading to a heartbreaking decision.
Much of the staging requires the cast to move amongst the audience, often barking instructions at those on the main playing platform, or providing soulful a cappella tones and harmonies to support key scenes. These are realised beautifully adding an almost spiritual essence at key moments.
The necessity to unload a lot of time-lined detail, results in a fairly brisk delivery and the whole affair is laid-out in 1hr 45mins. This requires the omission of an interval to ensure the action flows. There is also a tongue-in-cheek address to audience members at the top of the show delivered by a baton-wielding guard who barks instructions about mobile phones and the rustling of sweet wrappers. Perhaps ALL theatres could consider deploying such a menacing figure and the imposition of corrective measures for offenders! Just a thought!!
Plays until Sat 30th Nov.
