17 Minutes takes a theatrically conventional and dramatically circumspect approach to the school-shooting phenomenon. Following the decline of a police officer who failed to act on the day, it avoids any political commentary, aside from some brief allusions. Instead, it focusses on the protagonist’s descent to suicidal thoughts.

Deputy Andy Rubens (Larry Mitchell) wanders through a series of conversations, and ultimately loses his job, respect and sobriety: his marriage falters and the gun which he did not use becomes a symbol of his despair. At a leisurely pace, he encounters other people affected by this calamity: the shooter’s father and a victim’s mother, trying to make sense of it all, analysing his own apparent weakness, and reflecting on a devastated community.

The low key and sometimes ponderous pacing does not exploit the tragedy, nor discover any new conclusions; a melancholic tone is achieved but the drama is limited to a brief alcoholic interlude and even the final threat of suicide is an underwhelming climax. The reliance on a familiar format (a series of scenes with music covering the shifting of scenery) and a lack of forceful engagement does not do justice to the subject, despite strong performances and playwright Scott Organ’s deft, naturalistic dialogue. 

17 Minutes, Gilded Balloon Teviot, until 28 August, 2.15pm.