The Sound Inside Review
8th-11th, 13th-18th & 20-25th August 2024
The Sound Inside tells the compelling story of Ivy League creative writing professor Bella Baird and rebellious freshman student Christopher.
Baird enters unannounced onto a sparse black stage. It is misty with dry ice. The atmosphere is eerie and edgy. She is borderline confrontational as she speaks frankly and directly, giving us a potted history of her life, expanding to share details of her parents. She talks about her mother’s demise and draws broad parallels with her own situation. We sense a low level of hostility, but we warm to her, we like this woman. She is intelligent, assured, but not without vulnerabilities, carrying deep wounds from her perceived lack of success as an accomplished writer. She is hung up on a bad review from the New York Times, something which Christopher dismisses “Fuck the New York Times” which raised much laughter and even a cheer from the audience. We are invited into her office by a simple lighting state change. There is no slow fade, it is sharp like Baird’s wit. The office is represented by a raised square platform with two simple chairs. It is straightforward, perhaps reflective of Baird’s lifestyle choices which we understand to be moderate and logical. A simplistic congruency from production designer James Turner which works perfectly.
“Rapp’s writing is exquisite and Potter and Sirakian’s delivery is impeccable. We’re drawn in from the start, immersed in the story as it unravels with twists and turns”
Written by Adam Rapp and staring Madeleine Potter (Slaves of New York & Houdini) and Eric Sirakian (The Kite Runner), the play makes its UK premier at the Traverse theatre in Edinburgh after considerable success in the US, already nominated for six Tony Awards, highly rated by America’s theatre critics and now, clearly popular at the festival with a full house turning out for this 10am performance.
Baird is captivated by a brilliant freshman student Christopher who challenges the rules and breaks through her tough exterior, engaging her in conversation which soon finds an unexpected depth. A relationship develops giving both parties cause for optimism but there is a darker side to this story.
Beautifully crafted by Rapp, the script is fast paced, punchy and at times highly emotive. The story ebbs and flows with moments of extreme tension, broken by sharp humour which instantly lift the atmosphere. Rapp’s writing is exquisite and Potter and Sirakian’s delivery is impeccable. We’re drawn in from the start, immersed in the story as it unravels with twists and turns, never quite knowing what will come next. It is intense, emotionally draining and totally engaging. This is a must see at the Edinburgh Fringe and I sincerely hope it will make its way sound to London so I may once again see this incredible play.
Stephen Cambridge
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