Yes, We’re Related, this dark comedy from Lace–Evans Productions touches on the subject of grief and loss, but don’t expect gloom from the characters. There are two sisters and an ex-boyfriend as the protagonists, and what they bring to the stage is dynamic and appealing, as they are relatable, funny, offbeat and not always on the same page.
Saskia arrives at her sister Sara’s flat, which was their mother’s before her death exactly one year ago. They had planned a remembrance event with guests invited. However, Sara was delegated the task of inviting people, but it is a no-show. She’s distracted and largely unaware of Saskia’s commitment to the event.
The more vocal of the two is Saskia at first. She demands focus and attention and has gone to some lengths to make the day meaningful. But then it unfolds slowly – Saskia has flaws too, and the display banner she purchased has a fault. We get the real picture that both sisters are holding up, but they possess a fragility that they are not quite ready to reveal yet.
Mark, Saskia’s ex, brings a lot to this play, including his archery equipment and sense of fun, which quickly becomes over the top and reaches a point of magic tricks, with darkness and mist. The presence of Mark diffuses, to an extent, the tension between the sisters – but there is a slightly sore topic, as Sara, Mark and the mother used to spend Tuesdays together and eat yoghurt. Saskia scorns this element of closeness, which excludes her.
Between the yoghurt, which has taken on a life of its own, and other props such as the tent Sara has constructed, the coffee cups from Caffè Nero and the balloon with a ‘particular’ shape, it never feels like a circus of props. It all balances out with the dialogue, movement and the restraint which will unfold. Visually stimulating and amusing, we’re introduced to another character. This one’s unusual – Sara has a pet squirrel.
All these various elements keep the tension and character exploration alive, because the arrival of the squirrel is obviously a sign, Sara tells us – a sign from her mother.
When it comes down to it though, the bare bones of the situation are that the sisters are grieving in different ways but find their solution, their common ground, and confess to each other. Sara has concealed something in relation to their mother.
This production oozes talent and the characters are compelling and likeable. There are many laughs along the way. Essentially about grief, but light enough to offer humour then an eventual resolve. Its approach is delicate but head-on, and funny but deadly serious. Lace–Evans Productions deliver engaging theatre in Yes, We’re Related.
