It can be tricky to make Brecht exciting. To simultaneously discourage an audience from suspending their disbelief whilst keeping them entertained can be a real theatrical tightrope. Unicycle Theatre Company succeed in conveying the message of the Exception and the Rule mostly in accordance with Brechtian technique, but they don’t manage to do so without approaching pedantry.
The plot follows a greedy merchant as he races across the fictional Yahi Desert to make a deal. During the journey he becomes increasingly paranoid of the motives of his guide and servant because he assumes that their minds must follow the selfish rules he understands. What transpires presents a hard-hitting depiction of injustice, inequality and downtrodden humanity.
Unicycle bring many fine touches to this play. The cast of four switch characters regularly, communicating an impression of the universality of human nature and linking well to the themes of fluidity of perspective. The basic set, consisting primarily of two step ladders, is also an innovative use of stage space and is used to demonstrate effectively both status and physical structures. Additionally, the actors themselves all bring solid performances. Characterization is clear and their singing is admirable.
The problem is in the pace - it always stays the same and the same is slow. Brecht favours the use of song and this troupe champion that, only it’s a deep, monotonous melody throughout. In parts this works, but when they’re singing about a frantic and exhausting race it seems out of place. Naturalistic acting also does not work advantageously with the lackadaisical gait of the performance. Brechtian theory argues that theatre should work continually to reiterate the idea that the performance is only a representation of life, rather than life itself. Naturalistic acting in The Exception and the Rule detracts from Brecht’s aim of distancing and audience self-reflection. Moreover, it ignores the potential for colourful characterisation that an element of non-naturalistic characterisation could bring to the stage.
Saying that, Unicycle do give a thought-provoking exploration of social morality. You may leave feeling unimpressed but you will certainly be pensive.
