Written and devised by the cast, Social Husbandry Inc.- Breeding a Brighter Society Since 2012 is based on a good concept. In a dystopian future, the government disposes of potential dissenters by making them into infants, sending them away to nursery to remove them from the machine-like business world that has no room for aberration. Opening with a scene from the nursery, the piece oscillates between this colourful setting and a grey office-block, where the only disruption to the routine actions and dialogue is the colour of the day, which determines their food, drink and uniform. As the story unfolds, the sinister side of the society becomes increasingly apparent, with one nursery worker desperate to reveal the truth to his blinded colleagues.
Whilst the idea had potential, the execution was problematic. As is often the case with devised pieces, the script was clumsy and slow-moving. It seemed that those playing children were just relishing the chance to scream as loud as they could whilst jumping around the stage, whilst the symbolism of the repetitive nature of the office workers’ conversation wasn’t strong enough to sustain its entertainment value.
A greater attention to the dialogue would improve the piece dramatically.The set was effectively produced and utilised, and the soundtrack was well chosen. With less screaming, and more wit, the Green Stag Youth Theatre could be onto something.
