Though the script of Emily Juniper’s Restitution has some engaging elements, I think its transfer to the stage from BBC One’s ‘Baddiel and the Missing Nazi Millions’ is not a great success.
It follows the story of a mildly OCD man called Robert, played by Alistair Kirton, who has been passionately searching for a painting that had been stolen from his family during the Second World War; the loss of which had consumed his mother in her final years. In his formulaic search, he comes across the painting in an art gallery belonging to Berta, played by Chloe Gilgallon, and her mother. The majority of the play is spent with the two characters conversing; Robert recounting the story of the oppression of his Jewish ancestors by the Nazis, and the consequential loss of his family painting. Having been brought together by the artwork, animosity soon arises when the ownership of the painting comes under question.
With holocaustic narrative and art philosophy debate, one could be justified in expecting the play to be moving or thought-provoking. However, what could have made for a gripping production, covering questions of who owns Nazi stolen art, and the ownership, purpose and meaning of artworks, seemed to lack storyline and character development. As was unfortunately emphasised by the minimalist direction, it could make a gripping radio discussion, but Emily Juniper’s script does not reduce any of the complexity or difficulty of the debate. As it was, it fails to connect with the audience, leaving them indifferent to the outcome of the ownership battle.
Though I appreciate the challenge of a two-man performance, the content should be enough to carry the play. Kirton, who suits the role of Robert, has flashes of humour and brilliance, and Gilgallon is only let down by her occasionally indistinguishable grimaces expressing sorrow, hurt and surprise. The duo’s slightly concrete acting is at times quite uncomfortable to watch; rather than merely depicting awkwardness, they seemed to engulf the audience in it – but perhaps this could be seen as an artistic success on their part.
Overall, though the play covers some interesting ground, something quite significant seems to be lacking.
