Land of the Free Review

October 20, 2024

Land of the Free Review

9th October – 9th November 2024

Land of the Free centres around the life of John Wilkes Booth, the actor who assassinated President Abraham Lincoln.

If America can be considered a cultural melting pot, then this production, which shines a light on one of the most famous events in US history, could be described as a melting pot of theatrical genres.

“The cast, all hugely talented actor-musicians, are excellent”

A collection of staccato scenes and incongruent styles touching on social and political challenges faced by America and the devasting outcomes those issues can lead to. The play embraces Brechtian techniques, disturbing the natural flow of the story and allowing the audience time for social reflection. Unfortunately it merely served to baffle and confuse, grating against the rhythm of the play.

Land of the Free is a whirlwind tour of issues including race, slavery, political divides and of course assassination, but why raise them if you are simply skirting around the edge of such deeply troubling truths. Where there is injustice there is usually passion and this was most certainly lacking.

The action is framed with a proscenium arch made from rough wood and draped with American flags. The stage, with rustic effect flooring is split using a curtain which opens and closes throughout, revealing a sparse but practical set of simple furniture, but also black backwall and metal beams which detracts from the already minimal set. On each side of the pros, hang scenes of assassinations, successful and failed, including the recent image of a triumphant, blood-stained Donald Trump thrusting his fist into the air. Between the images were wooden plaques with writing which were used to good effect during scene changes for signposting.

The cast of seven start by telling us who they’ll play, including the rolls of children which seems an unnecessary addition to the many other parts each actor has been allocated. The piece mixes music, singing, multi rolling and iambic pentameter as we head ominously towards the inevitable.

The cast, all hugely talented actor-musicians, are excellent, and it is their energy and commitment to this piece which drives us along and to some degree masks the shortfalls of the writing. There are moments of high drama, comedy and song, all delivered with aplomb with audience glued to the action, but sadly these are all too often interrupted with another random performance style.

Is this theatrical medley a complex works of genius or simply a play which lacks the basic principles of a good script and a well told story? For me it is the latter and despite the incredible cast, it fails to land. We may not have been able to pinpoint the specific genre of this piece but we certainly enjoyed the committed, authentic and energized performances of an extremely talented performers.

The production is well timed and draws upon the recent assassination attempt on former President Trump, highlighting that history can repeat itself, particularly when lessons are not learned. For enthusiasts of American political history this one may well be of interest.