Fleeing soldiers jungle dilemma
THE LONG, THE SHORT AND THE TALL
The Pleasance
THE first thing you notice about the Long, the Short, the Tall is the set. It is very detailed and elaborate for such a small venue but this only adds to the claustrophobia of the piece.
The second thing you will notice is the sense of familiarity. A feeling of “I have seen this before” and you would be right. The play has all the hallmarks of a hundred war movies from the archetypal characters to the isolated setting that the protagonists must escape from.
But as it was written in 1953 before any of the above became archetypes and clichés, so you can forgive it and instead concentrate on the fiery banter between the soldiers and the moral conundrums that arise.
The story centres around a group of World War II soldiers who find themselves miles from base but perilously close to the Japanese military.
The majority of the first half is concerned with getting back to base without discovery and the insubordination of Private Bamforth.
But when a Japanese soldier turns up things become complicated. They must make a choice, a choice in which circumstance has a habit of altering the factors.
What do they do with the soldier? Do they take him with them and glean him for information, do they leave him and hope the enemy discover him late enough for them to make their getaway or do they kill him?
Each soldier has a different but ultimately flexible view of the dilemma. The frustrating thing is that despite the many arguments and fights the play comes to an abrupt end without really coming to any kind of resolution, copping out with an ironic but unsatisfactory climax.
This is not to say it is not an enjoyable experience. The drama within the group is almost enough to carry the play. The interplay and reminiscences of the men is wonderfully written and well played. The mouthy but moral Private Bamforth being the stand out.
But the play finds its level about halfway through and doesn’t feel the need to rise above it.
CNJ book line:
0870 040 0700
Until Oct 7
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