A Soldier’s Song is a stage adaptation of Ken Lukowiak’s book that narrates his experience of the Falklands Conflict. It is a difficult play to describe, mostly because various characterisations one would normally use become highly inappropriate in the context of this story. It was fascinating to hear this account; terrifying, yet at times profoundly touching, while at others darkly comical. It is a story about fear and what it makes men do, but also a story about the small ways in which a man can be a hero. The narrative moves between wartime experiences, and the even older memories these trigger, to present day reflection on those experiences in an attempt to uncover their meaning.
Although the story itself is highly engaging, the acting is not equally so. Ken Lukowiak, the writer, is also the actor of this one man performance, but he is not a seasoned performer and that shows. In the beginning he came across as awkward and his delivery was slightly bland. As the performance moved on, however, his style grew on you and it became easier to allow the story to absorb you. Lukowiak was most engaging when he simply narrated without trying to act out the story; in these moments the full impact of his experience became apparent.
Lukowiak’s narration is complemented by lighting changes that mark the transition between past and present. The blue lights used during the fighting scenes are particularly effective, as they distance the action from the audience, whilst emphasising its absurdity. The technical elements are quite useful is sustaining the story’s atmosphere.
Overall, the performance succeeds into shocking the audience into an awareness of the extremity of war and its warping effects on the human psyche.
