A modern adaptation of J.B. Priestley’s 20th- Century classic “An Inspector Calls”, Phillip Dart’s “The Visit” offers a searing commentary on depression, drug-abuse and social isolation.
The play unpacks the messy relations between three students and a young girl who presented herself under various guises. Returning from a party, three are engaged in a lewd drinking game when the doorbell goes, and a mysterious detective ‘Teena Whitsom’ arrives with news of a young girl’s suicide attempt on campus. She asks them to identify the victim, confronting them each with a photo. Over the course of Whitsom’s interrogation, it slowly emerges all three have played a part in the victim’s suicide. What begins as a lively, alcohol fuelled evening turns into a sobering interrogation. Presented in a series of flashbacks, the drama recounts a young woman’s progressive mental decline and the reluctance of those involved to take responsibility for their actions.
The Sowgym students were enthusiastic about the production, marvelling at the actors’ ability to switch between different roles and convey their parts convincingly. There was animated discussion in the classroom afterwards as students reflected on the plays key messages and unexpected plotwist - there were even calls for sequel!
The Vienna English Theatre’s school tour continues in 2025, with productions of The Makeover’ and ‘Rob & the Hoodies’ scheduled in March and April.
