The Unseen Review 

“It seemed, at first, that they wanted information. Then is seemed they merely wanted submission” 

The Unseen is a powerful play about human isolation and the dehumanising impacts of a totalitarian regime. Two strangers-Wallace and Valdez- are imprisoned. They are confined to their cells and though they have never seen each other strike up a friendship, sharing their hopes while trying to make sense of the world. Can they maintain their hope in the darkness of the world? Meanwhile, their captor is torn between duty and guilt. 

Walking into the theatre you observe one prisoner sleeping and the other darting his eyes around. Simon Kenny’s set is bleak, grey concrete and steel cells, and a walkway. Even with the cells having low walls it conveys a sense of both danger and isolation. There’s a sense that this could be set anywhere. The costumes continue this idea as does the British accented cast. When there was a blackout before the play began, I had a shiver down my spine. 

Written by Craig Wright (Six Feet Under, Lost, Dirty Sexy Money) The Unseen a social commentary and a dark comedy. It’s mostly a back and forth conversation between Wallace and Valdez, who think, remember, play games and undertake rituals. It reminded me of Samuel Beckett’s Waiting for Godot, which I studied back in high school. For me, the first 30 minutes dragged a little whilst the last 50 minutes flew by. Having no intermission allows us to remain to fully remain uncomfortable in the prison alongside Wallace and Valdez. There’s a vivid description of a torture scene that had myself and others squirming with discomfort. 

Considering two people are mostly confined mostly to their individual cells, there was more movement than I expected with Iya Patarkatsishvili’s direction. The lighting and sound are fantastic. Bright white or flashing red lights with a burst of sound played several times and help us realise the rituals the prisoners experience. The use of silence is effective in creating another sense of oppression. 

The Unseen state Waj Ali as Valdez and  Richard Harringto as Wallace. Ross Tomlinson is Smash and James Physick is the understudy. The Unseen is produced by Torn Tapestry Ltd. 

Exploring themes of authority, power, freedom, faith, submission and survival, it’s hard hitting. Yet it also reminds us of the importance of imagination as resilience. It’s a timely reminder of human nature. Director Iya Patarkatsishvili describes it as “more than just a story; it is a call to action”.

To help explore these themes and expand upon its real world meaning, the producers have curated a series of additional experiences. Every Thursday after each performance, audiences can join high-profile post-show discussions with activists, artists, and thinkers who will delve into themes of freedom, justice, and the moral courage to resist oppression.

There’s also the ‘Faces of Russian Resistance’, an international exhibition making its UK premiere. This collection tells the stories of ordinary Russians who have defied state propaganda, resisted aggression and called for peace. There photographs are of men and women, artists and scientists, parents and children who are imprisoned or facing imprisonment, separated from loved ones. The coloured photographs are behind bars which emphasises the imprisonment.It was silent in the corridor as we all came out and started reading about these individuals who refused to stay silent. It was a very educational exhibition. 

All ticket proceeds are donated to human rights organisations dedicated to supporting prisoners of conscience in Russia.

The Unseen performs for a strictly limited season until 14th December at 7:30pm nightly with matinees on Thursday and Sunday.  

For Riverside Studios 

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For The Unseen

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Written by Caitlin Neal