In Plain Sight - the lives and hopes of invisible people
Standing on a main road on a cold February evening may not seem a very sensible way to spend time but I was about to watch In Plain Sight, a unique and immersive play staged in an old factory. It gives an insight into the lives of the people we walk past daily, holding our head up to avoid eye contact, who we mutter about on social media and say how awful it is and who from time to time we pass some change to in order to rid ourselves of the guilt. In Plain Sight explores the issues of how people become homeless, the challenges they face and what could help them off the streets.
The play centres around two characters, Tash and Steve, and is hosted by a cast of ‘trauma buskers’. It is an interactive play and for the next two hours the audience are on their feet and wrapped up warm. The music has been written for the play and we are led into the story with a beautiful song called What Do You Dream About? It is accompanied by violin and guitar and with the factory acoustics it is quite haunting.
As the play unfolds we are twisting and turning and moving with the cast as we learn about their lives. Steve has just come out of prison and has been told by the housing office there are no houses. He only has a discharge grant of £46 to last until his benefits come in. We look at Tash's life and the circumstances that got her where she is and the lengths she takes just to get a warm bed to sleep in The play is beautifully acted and articulately woven together.
This isn’t a lecture, nor is it an in-depth political discussion. It is a frank portrayal and retelling of true stories. The added bonus of musical director Sophia Hatfield's melodic and powerful songs enriches the evening and before we even know it we are at the end of the journey. Throughout the whole experience I felt welcomed into a community. I was greeted with a hot beverage at the beginning and then sat down with a warming meal at the end, while discussing with fellow audience members and actors what it was we could do to help.
It turns out it isn’t about making heavy donations or giving up your every waking hour to volunteer. It is about acknowledgement and compassion, making people feel valued. We can’t keep dismissing homeless people as lazy and making poor choices. The truth is we aren’t always in control of the choices we make; homelessness is a major issue now in many cities including our own. The show is not always comfortable watching, but there are elements of joy and hope as well.
I would recommend this show to anyone, yes even on a weekend where a storm is predicted. It isn’t just about appreciating what we have but walking in someone’s else’s shoes and understanding how we all have a role to play in improving others' lives.
Reviewed by Mel Osborne.