Pandemexplosion

Pandemexplosion is a verbatim play that tells the stories of a diverse ensemble cast affected by Covid-19, including an actor, rapper, school students, university scientist, and NGO activists from Beirut. The play offers positive and contrasting journeys through the pandemic, and the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion is included as one of the students returns to their home during lockdown. The play is praised for its powerful medium, ensemble work, and visual striking.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 54 pages
Publication date: 28 March 2023
Publisher: Salamander Street Limited

Pandemexplosion is a verbatim play that explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a diverse ensemble of characters, including an actor, a rapper, school students, a university scientist, and NGO activists from Beirut. Commissioned by The International School of London, the play offers a unique theatrical interpretation typical of Mark Wheeller's classic plays.

The play revolves around the lives of these individuals, who have little in common but are all affected by the pandemic. It is explosive and fascinating in turns, providing a glimpse into their experiences and struggles. While the play focuses on their individual stories, it also reflects the broader societal impact of the pandemic.

One of the most heartbreaking moments in the play occurs when one of the students' families decides to return to their Lebanon home during lockdown. This decision brings them face to face with the devastating consequences of the 2020 Port of Beirut explosion, which killed over 200 people and left a lasting impact on the city.

The play's style enables performer gender flexibility, allowing for a larger cast or the doubling of smaller casts. The script is a prime example of the powerful medium of theatre, with a sharp ensemble working seamlessly together, choreographed like a modern-day Greek chorus. The slick theatre conventions were visually striking, and the transitions between different scenes were accomplished with just a few banged-up car doors and props.

Catherine Smith of the Timaru Herald praised Mountview High School's production of Mark Wheeller's Too Much Punch For Judy, stating that the play was "a prime example of what a powerful medium theatre can be." She noted the sharp ensemble work, the seamless choreography, and the visually striking theatre conventions. Smith also praised the way the play transported the audience between a party and a grizzly accident scene with just a few banged-up car doors and props.

Pandemexplosion is a powerful and thought-provoking play that offers a unique perspective on the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. It provides a glimpse into the lives of individuals who have been affected by the crisis and highlights the broader societal challenges that have emerged as a result. The play's gender-flexible casting and its ability to work with a larger or smaller cast make it accessible to a wide range of audiences.

In conclusion, Pandemexplosion is a must-see play for anyone interested in theatre and the human experience. It is a powerful testament to the resilience and creativity of the human spirit in the face of adversity.

Dimension: 198 x 129 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781914228841