You are in good company if you see this little gem, 'TRAILER/Trash', now playing at the Hen & Chickens Theatre in North London. Performers Mary Steadman and Amanda Price – alias Famous & Divine – depict a life somewhere in the Deep South as mature female symbols of white trailer trash.
Frankie and Dottie are forgotten members of a Western society who barely exist; their lives are propelled by drink and the possibilities of a dream that is only tangible with the promise of a contract for Dottie to work in Vegas. In this land of materialism and possibility they dare to dream how they can live a brand new existence. Men will no longer dictate or oppress them either in the work place or in physical relationships. Their relationship is explored and a delightful friendship surfaces that can indeed be compared to that of Thelma and Louise as it is in the play. Whilst men are referred too, they are only visible in the play as a force that has shaped their lives. Laughs run side by side with their tragic circumstances and the appearance of a vibrating strap on creates a very funny depiction of Frankie’s dream.
Film installation creates an omnipresent environment; dated adverts depict the dreams and aspirations of its female viewers and proceeds to set the time, place and atmosphere. Film is also used to expand levels of the characters conscious; initially we see the comical dream patterns of Frankie reliving her day in the diner. Later clips inform us of the dangers Dottie experiences on a nightly basis. The rich script by Mike Elliston juxtaposes this beautifully as the audience is given an insight to the painful and hard histories of Frankie and Dottie.
The reconstruction of life on a trailer park is not only authenticated by the honed accents of Famous & Divine but also by the extremely effective stage design. Directed by David Verrey their simple existence is enhanced by claustrophobic restraints living the trailer nightmare. At one point without giving too much away, everything comes together and the American dream is realised with the specific technicalities of lighting. Proving that the element of spectacular can even exist on a trailer park.
TRAILER/Trash runs until 10th November,Wednesday to Saturday 7.45pm with a Saturday matinee at 3.00pm. Tickets just £10 – Hen & Chickens Theatre, 109 Saint Paul's Road London, London N1 2NA. For more information and tickets click HERE.
Debbie Garry
