Review - The Majority - Dorman Theatre ***

photo by Ellie Kurttz -- Rob Drummond’s ‘The Majority’ requires audience-participation, but, lest readers might shrink, at the idea, it’s the mere pressing of buttons. The issue is democracy. Upon arrival, visitors are issued with a simple key-pad, for the selection of ‘yes’ and ‘no’ answers. Within the Dorfman Theatre, hangs a large lamp-shade-like installation, comprised of hexagons, which bear footage of worker- bees, in a hive. Their buzzing injects energy, particularly as, when the room darkens, they become louder and more frantic, evoking the wildest of drum-rolls. But Drummond’s arrival is anticlimactic. He wanders on, like a modern university-lecturer, to ask a succession of questions. How do we feel about democracy? Should voting be made compulsory. It’s a slow start, but he’s affable and engaging. There’s no need to feel short-changed. Fifteen minutes, or so, in, the story begins. Without giving too much away, Drummond had been apathetic, about the Scottish referendum and did not vote, but a chance-encounter with, let’s say, one of his nations more colourful characters got him thinking. Interspersed, within the narrative, are a chain of scenarios, relating to a train and lives we could save, by pulling a lever. Would we redirect the train and at what cost? A snap-decision is required; we’re given little time, to think. Whose life is worth more? Our child, or five grown strangers? And should political beliefs affect our decision? Is a neo-nazi’s life worth saving, or should the chance to rid the world of him be seized? The decision is ours, not Drummonds. But he is frank, in acknowledging his own questionable behaviour, toward extremists and that’s central, to the performance. How tolerant should we be? Is violence ever the answer? Should there be absolute freedom of speech? Drummond’s mother infuriated him, with her liking, for Donald Trump, but was she wise? The evening sharpens and sharpens, leading to a vote which shapes the final section; and surely had audience members holding their breath. I, for one, felt truly drawn in. That said, the production is more interesting than it is dramatic. But the acid-test, with a creation such as Drummond’s is the amount of thought it provokes. Travelling home, I couldn't concentrate on the evening paper.