Theatre Review: The Good Dog
A few weeks ago the UK Government released a press statement pledging a huge financial package to support museums, galleries, theatres and heritage institutions. While some museums and galleries begin to open, this is not necessarily the case for theatres which have been classed as ‘higher risk’ businesses. While we wait for more guidelines on when theatres (without outdoor spaces) can open safely, I’m thinking back to productions that really made me think. Arinzé Kene’s play A Good Dog immediately comes to mind.
First off, the Bernie Grant Arts Centre is a dope building — architecturally. But back to the review, The Good Dog was a story about doing good when life presents a series of challenges. And this way of life is a reality for many people, especially young people living within inner-city areas.
Set on an estate of housing blocks, this play was narrated from the perspective of a young man — the main protagonist — who remained unnamed. Here, they introduced the different characters, such as ‘Gandhi’, the ‘What, What’ girls, Trevor senior and Trevor junior, the Smoking Boys, Mr and Mrs Blackwood, Marsha, Desmond and Jamilla. This introduction built a picture of a close community. But also highlighted how much our environment can impact our livelihood.
Our first interaction with the idea of being good, was seen from the nuanced actions of different characters. Such as Mrs Blackwood allowing Marsha to use their washing machine, while the protagonist observes Marsha taking advantage of this goodwill gesture. Over time, external influences begin to erode the protagonist’s outlook on the concept of goodness.
For instance, Trevor senior is imprisoned for striking one of the smoking boys, who suffer life-changing injuries. Whilst the action is wrong, the build-up of years of tension between the smoking boys and the Trevor senior resulted in an awful outcome. Again, drawing parallels to how tensions between people could play out in reality.
The idea of being good, is seriously being challenged. Ironically, Trevor junior is now selling at the same corner the smoking boys used to be posted at. For different reasons, things seem to be getting worse for everyone. Despite people holding on to the belief that their routes of escape could actually lead somewhere. Yet, the optimism at the beginning dulls over the course of the play. And what ends up happening is the London Riots of 2011. While a peaceful protest occurs before the riots in Tottenham, the play illustrates the pent up frustration people have felt for a long time. Even when they have tried to lead good lives.
The self-destruction of your own area is a confusing concept for many commentators as the Tottenham Riots unfolded. But often time, people are looking at the end result only, ie the riot. Rather than the slight chain of events which erode optimism and creates tension that builds steadily over time. Until it reaches a breaking point.
How many times do sections of society have to reach breaking point before those in positions of power listen?
