As you walk into the theatre to watch Brick, you’ll find a man sprawled out across the floor, where he’ll remain for the entirety of the play.
The stage becomes a prison cell, holding only the unconscious man and James, a 21-year-old who has been arrested for “allegedly,” “supposedly,” “possibly” throwing a brick at a police officer at a gay rights protest. Throughout the play, we see James speaking to the police through the CCTV in the cell, continuously angry and fighting for his own rights.
Over the one-hour performance, we get a look into James’ psyche through an extended monologue, as he becomes delirious, angry, and ultimately quite demotivated. Writer Noah Xavier cleverly intertwines his own sexuality with James’ own coming-of-age relationship, alongside the story of his sister Amelie through the script’s darkly comedic tone.
Exploring themes of social class, homophobia, and systemic neglect from the police, James’ unexpected story is unveiled as he tells all to his inebriated cell-mate in a one way conversation. Despite his silent presence, the intoxicated confidant becomes a loud symbol of the lack of support young Brits feel they receive from politicians and the police.
Through a running motif of chess, James’ anger for the system is heightened, brilliantly exploring the “game” played by those in charge.
Incredibly funny and unexpectedly moving, Noah Xavier’s acting and writing is an exceptionally sharp piece of queer theatre telling an important story of the abuses of power and the ongoing fight for representation. It’s highly relevant and unmissable!
Brick is running until the 30th of August at studio at C ARTS. Buy tickets here.
Image by AndrewABPhotography, provided to The Student for press use.
