This Is Not America (The Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker Two) | Review By Lewis C. Baird

This is Not America follows four brothers under interrogation for a murder they are linked to. Through the investigation, we find out more about each of the brothers, their guilt and their innocence, until the veil is lifted to reveal something much more sinister. Playing The Pleasance Courtyard, Bunker Two until 31st August as part of the Edinburgh Fringe.

Jack Stokes is exhilarating in his role as the four brothers, truly transforming with each struggling gasp into one of the flawed siblings under investigation. Following the fading wheeze of a painful gasp, Jack’s body language, intonation and accent shifts with great skill. Throughout proceedings, Jack’s energy and performance are engaging and keep the end on positioned audience in the loop by constantly moving across the space.

Whilst this production has a solid concept and is intriguing to watch unfold, its title This Is Not America seems unfitting. There is social political commentary from writer and director Philip Stokes on the distressing, polarising and complex country the USA has become. With the brothers portraying flawed characteristics that have become all too familiar with American culture within the last decade. Yet it seems shoehorned into a play which sits more prominently in the crime genre than satire. With this, the text lacks consistency – towards the end we find Philip veering off into territory that is slightly too jarring and doesn’t quite land.

Whilst there is limited performance space in Bunker Two, it feels like there could be more in terms of blocking and set. This play does have its pros; you feel unsettled, there’s a good build of intrigue and tension, and Jack’s storytelling keeps the audience hooked, but you find yourself looking for more from the narrative, even from the concept itself rather than the confusing title and link to commentary on America.

This Is Not America is a fragmented and discombobulating play that has a great premise and a talented performer leading the proceedings, yet falls short in conveying its intended poignancy. 

Get tickets for This Is Not America here – https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/this-is-not-america-a-razor-edge-new-play-to-start-your-day