In a multi-media production that blends theatrical styles, the residents of Portsford face a battle against the encroaching waves that threaten to swallow up their home.
Portsford is falling into the sea. This coastal town is literally crumbling – buildings will soon succumb to the ocean. Climate change for the residents of Portsford is not a theory, a lofty topic of debate, or a lingering fear for the future. Climate change is Portsford’s current reality. Soon, it might leave the town desolate.
This is the backdrop upon which FREAK OUT! is set. An ensemble cast of young actors take the place of the town’s residents. Each has their own relationship to the town, as well as their own opinion as to what the correct action to take is. The residents receive a letter informing them that they are to move outside of the ‘red zone’ wherein they live and are given a measly sum of money to do so. A few thousand pound to uproot their entire lives and leave the land within which lives their roots. One resident has a grand idea to host a fundraising party to gather money and the stamina to fight for a seawall to be built to protect the town, albeit for only two decades or so longer. Some residents share this passion, others feel more inclined to take their money and run. The play weaves through time and place, bouncing between the party and other scenes that take an unexpected myriad of forms, from audience interaction to clowning, to choreography, and much more.
FREAK OUT! carefully implements various theatrical styles into one production. What could easily have become an assault to the senses was an exciting amalgamation of clowning, physical theatre, multi-media presentations, and audience participation. While some of the movement warranted polishing, the cast worked together to weave an intricate tapestry of the crisis the Portsford residents were facing, or rather, the crisis we are all collectively facing. The complex structure the production implements mimics the intricacy of battling climate change. There are many facets of the narrative to consider, many varied pockets of the story that we are swept to and from, but they are nonetheless easy to follow along with. At no point are you lost, but at no point do you know what might happen next. The absurdity is heightened to both allow for some comic relief, but perhaps additionally to highlight how ludicrous the circumstances we find ourselves in are.
FREAK OUT! leaves much to be pondered and even more to be genuinely freaked out about ourselves. By highlighting the personal stories of people who are currently living out the catastrophic impacts of climate change, we are unwaveringly confronted with the knowledge that soon we will be in the same shoes the residents of Portsford occupy.