A searing indictment of global inequality is gripping London's Arcola Theatre, leaving audiences in no doubt about the unpalatable truth behind 'A Fine Idea'. Penned by Christine Bacon, co-artistic director of human rights theatre company ice&fire, this thought-provoking production draws on Jason Hickel's book, 'The Divide', to reveal how well-meaning international development agencies can inadvertently exacerbate poverty rather than alleviate it – a bitter pill to swallow.
The narrative bursts into life with President Harry Truman's post-war vision of eradicating global poverty through international development, brought vividly to life by Kevin Trainor as his speechwriter Ben Hardy. The story then hurtles forward to present-day Kenya, where Hardy's granddaughter Jo (played with conviction by Ella Bryant) meets activist Kala (Grace Saif), sparking a journey of discovery about the colonialist underpinnings of international aid and its so-called 'neutrality' in the face of injustice.
Critics have praised the play's ambition to tackle complex themes, singling out strong performances from Ella Bryant. The satire is sharp too – who can forget the uncomfortable echo of celebrity-led campaigns like Band Aid or the Nairobi fundraiser designed to elicit guilt from wealthy donors? Yet some argue that 'A Fine Idea' relies too heavily on statistics and polemic, with characters delivering reams of data that overshadow character development and plot. This approach, it's suggested, makes the 90-minute production feel longer than its actual duration.
Directed by Charlotte Westenra, the production employs symbolic elements – Florence Nightingale (Georgina Rich) discussing hospital disease rates is a striking moment, as is the International Monetary Fund personified as a surgeon with Kala (potentially representing Kenya) as the patient. While these metaphors aim to underscore the play's message, they paradoxically detract from the human drama unfolding on stage. The balance between conveying hard-hitting data and maintaining a compelling narrative appears to be a central point of contention.
'A Fine Idea' sets out to provoke thought on the enduring legacy and ongoing challenges within global aid efforts, leaving audiences to ponder the efficacy and ethical implications of current international development models. Its run at the Arcola Theatre provides a vital platform for these discussions within the UK's vibrant theatre scene.