A theatrical epic of fate, regret, and an undoubtedly Russian story
A Woman Walks Into a Bank serves as both the title and the opening line of Roxy Cook’s brilliantly written and directed piece. It also happens to be the inciting incident that sets in motion the intersecting lives of three individuals living in Moscow, Russia, during the years 2018-2019.
The piece predominantly utilises third-person narration, creating an overall impression reminiscent of an epic poem. How fitting, as we are about to embark on an odyssey of sorts.
As previously mentioned, a woman walks into a bank. More precisely, an elderly woman enters a bank in Moscow, Russia. Why? Is it because she needs money? She’s not too sure herself. Unfortunately, fate, or in this case, misfortune, plays its hand. An ambitious young bank manager seizes this opportunity as the perfect moment to secure his first significant victory and ends up selling her a high-interest loan.
The elderly woman, evidently suffering from dementia, promptly forgets all about it. However, being delinquent on loan payments is not something one wants to experience in Russia, as it leads to the harassment, threats, and violence of debt collectors. These collectors, chain-smoking, greasy-looking men all named Ivan, issue warnings to “pay it back or bad things are going to happen.” Unsurprisingly, one of them named Ivan goes after the old woman. He’s not a bad man; he’s just trying to provide for his family. Upon a chance encounter with the old lady’s cat, Sally, who has her own story to tell, the bank manager comes to terms with the consequences of his actions and the realisation that he’s still just a scared kid. Alone, reunited with Sally, the old woman isn’t sure who those two were or why they were in her flat, but she feels as though she’s had the best day she’s had in years.
Giulia Innocenti, Sam Newton, and Keith Dunphy all deliver electrifying performances, forming a dynamic trio that effortlessly plays off each other. All sequences flow seamlessly, and despite being choreographed, by fully engaging with the heightened style, it feels natural for these characters to move and act the way they do. The set, adorned with floor-to-wall carpets, conceals hidden panels that are unveiled as the play progresses.
In summary, it’s a humorous, visceral insight into a disillusioned post-modernist Russia, exploring our desperation for a better present and an easier future. Check it out and book tickets here.