'Do you realize you are being conditioned?' the audience is asked over and over in the course of the play. Coming from the small but persistent voice of Synergy's token misfit, this question takes the form 'Why are you not questioning this limited existence you are living?’ Two ragtag gangs, much like the Lost Boys, live alternate lives in light and darkness: one talks blindly of theories and perception, the other watches the world in silence and awe. The innocent and childlike creatures are performed by an incredible group who are endless entertainment to watch; the stage comes alive in light, the hum of keen voices fill the darkness. With an oppressive mother figure hanging over, they do not challenge these existences, until one misfit puts a spanner in the works.
It is a stylish little play set in an isolated and almost dystopian playground. Although friendships visibly divide it, shown by their differing painted faces, there is a familial wholeness to the group as though they mean everything to one another. It is curious to watch as they actively limit their senses, and the peals of laughter that break out when the lights fade suggest a playful and lighthearted community faced with no heavy burdens. The arrival of the misfit is a cause for much distress, as her challenge to the blissful norm appears threatening.
The play makes a valid point about how easily we can hide from the consequences of our words, an excellent example being the ease of spreading opinions over social media. Synergy's mother figure discusses the vulnerability of her clans if they were to see and speak, yet their ability to hurt others is not restricted by blindness. The clan in darkness therefore, would perhaps be more effective if they did not recognise one another's voices, but even then, a nameless voice can be as hurtful. Similarly, absence of words does not avert misunderstanding in visual communication. It is however a fact of growing up, that one must face the consequences of ones actions. This is a very refreshing and interesting piece of escapist theatre.
