Beautiful writing, underdeveloped execution
I am so glad this show exists – its subject matter of suicide prevention is so important and Stan Zimmerman’s writing has created a beautiful space to combat this all too common taboo. Combining anecdotal recount with the suicide notes of celebrities, Right before I go. weaves a narrative of grief and remembrance, made immediately bigger than itself by invoking the heartbreaking statistics of the hundreds of lives that will be lost to suicide during the duration of this show alone.
However, over the ten years that this show has been touring, it seems to have slightly lost a sharp execution as it arrives at fringe this year. Combining seated reading with occasional sequences that were more vividly brought to life resulted in a delivery tone that hadn’t quite decided if it was a rehearsed reading or not. It seemed an obvious choice to lift the character driven dialogue between Zimmerman and his friend (Claire Feuille) from the page, which would drive the narrative more clearly and avoid the occasionally monotonous delivery arising from reading longer passages, while still allowing the verbatim letter sections to be handled with pared-back simplicity.
Right before I go. has a rotating cast – the selection I saw were all compelling performers, with Claire Marie Hall offering a particularly touching performance, however as a cast they lacked cohesion. Some performers were far more confident than others with the directorial choice to use accents to add a personal touch to each reading of the suicide notes. Occasionally, a poor accent distracted from the content of the message inside, meaning emotional beats were missed. Similarly, the cast weren’t sure where to look when not speaking, with some remaining emotive and responsive throughout the performance and others delivering a ‘neutral’ state, giving the piece a conflicting atmosphere. A few clearer delivery decisions would have benefited this show, ensuring such an important message wasn’t diluted by a lack of attention to detail.
Nevertheless, Right before I go provides an excellent forum for much needed discussion, exemplified with the discussion lead by local suicide prevention charity ‘Andy’s Man Club’ at the end of the piece. I have no doubt this show will make a difference for anyone who feels they have to carry an experience alone, and for that reason, it is a special piece of theatre.
Fringe Listing: https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on?search=true&text=Right%20before%20I%20go.
LISTING INFORMATION:
Dates: daily from 5 to 31 August
Time: 15:35 (60 mins)
Venue: Pleasance Dome, Queen Dome
Age Guidance 14+
Tickets: https://www.pleasance.co.uk/event/right-i-go
Socials Instagram: @RightbeforeIgotheplay
Fringe box office: 0131 226 0000 / http://www.edfringe.com