Death is something that shakes us all and leads us down unexpected paths.
Christine Mackie’s Kin – currently playing in HOME’s Theatre 2 – guides us through the aftermath of Robert McGregor’s funeral, as we see his widow, Kay, and sister, Steph, converse after years of estrangement from each other.
It’s classed as a dark comedy, and the audience are treated to one-liners as well as tails of Steph’s misdemeanours, but the darkness reveals itself throughout the running of the show.
Issues such as gender and class run deep and offer a sense of shock.
Roberta Kerr as Kay, and Kerry Willison-Parry as Steph, are contrasting characters that on the whole bounce off each other: Kay from a working-class family who built her husband’s business empire, and Steph a member of the aristocracy who has experienced a life of indulgence and leisure. Their conversations sucked the audience in and revelation after revelation simply left you wanting more.
The set is basic but beautiful. All we see is the living room of Kay’s family home, but when a script leaves you on the edge of your seat, even a park bench could have been suitable setting for such a play.
Kin showed that high-quality effects and grand scene changes are not a necessity for a gripping play.
Although rushed in elements – which left me puzzled at the ending and outcome of the sisters-in-law – Kin speaks volumes about the empowerment of women and the various ways they are mistreated.
Kin is at HOME Manchester until 2 November.
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