Our Other Organ theatre review: A superficial analysis
Xenophobia, antisemitism, Nazism and division are given a metaphorical, though shallow, diagnosis
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Boaz Barkan takes full advantage of Summerhall’s Anatomy Theatre by presenting a fantastic hypothesis that addresses how antisemitism can lead to Zionism. Using the metaphor of physiology and dissection, he traces the path from Nazism to the attacks on Gaza, postulating that ‘our other organ’ is fed by xenophobia, which eventually becomes cultural chauvinism and breeds violence. Carrying out an initially playful dissection, having explained about the history of the process and its inherent theatricality, Barkan uses the body to identify the sickness. It is a coherent idea, given form by the dramaturgy, but isn’t quite enough to justify the running time.
Ironically, Barkan explains the performance’s problem in his introduction: he has had to slow down his delivery and this gives the show a meandering languidness that does not suit the seriousness of its subject. The pace is too measured and the idea, spread over 50 minutes, is revealed as shallow. That excessive violence begets excessive violence is a trenchant observation, but by approaching it through a metaphor, the analysis remains superficial. A lack of urgency in the tone contrasts with the powerfully bloody finale, in which consequences are visually depicted. While the condemnation of rationalising oppression is emphatic, the delivery undermines its presentation.
Our Other Organ, Summerhall, until 31 August, 4.15pm; picture: Jakob Tekiela.