Welcome to Pemfort Review: A Shattering Study of Living History and the Past You Can't Shake Off
At Soho Theatre in London, Sarah Power's impressive new play, Welcome to Pemfort, unfolds within the sleepy confines of Pemfort Castle's gift shop. Here, centuries of history are distilled into plastic goblets and dragon slippers, setting the stage for a profound exploration of the stories we tell about ourselves and the past that refuses to be forgotten.
A Carefully Curated World of Oddballs and Revelations
Designer Alys Whitehead crafts a meticulously curated set, adorned with wooden swords and jars of jam, where a team of endearing oddballs navigates their daily routines. Glenn, portrayed with serious precision by Ali Hadji-Heshmati, is determined to make the castle's upcoming living history event a success, clinging to accuracy amidst chaos. In contrast, the scatty Uma, played by Debra Gillett with oozing warmth, suggests blending the castle's dark tales out of context, while Ria, a buoyant Lydia Larson, remains distracted by her efforts to befriend local deer.
Tenderness envelops the narrative like wrapping paper, which Power masterfully tears away as the plot thickens. The arrival of Kurtis, a former offender brought to life by Sean Delaney in a tremendous, crumpled performance, disrupts the team's dynamic. With an open heart and gentle manner, Kurtis carefully considers his words, aiming to please Glenn, make Uma proud, and above all, elicit laughter from Ria.
The Haunting Impact of a Violent Past
However, when Kurtis reveals his violent history, the play shifts dramatically. It's as if his former self joins him on stage, leaving the characters and audience uncertain whom to address. Power refrains from offering easy answers about Kurtis's redemption or future, and Delaney delivers a haunting portrayal of a man splintering under the weight of shame. Director Ed Madden allows the script's silences to resonate, laying bare the revelations and their consequences while inviting viewers to form their own judgments.
Amidst this turmoil, the team must rehearse for a re-enactment, highlighting a chilling truth: after hundreds of years, acts of terrible violence can transform from tragedy into entertainment. Welcome to Pemfort runs at Soho Theatre until 18 April, offering a thought-provoking examination of history, memory, and human connection.
