Black Stuff is a well written comedy with a
serious message. It begins in a light hearted way when honeymoon
couple Justin (Jonathan Young who is also the Director) and Sophie
(Laura Lloyd) run out of petrol on their journey across the Mexican
desert to their resort on the coast. Fortunately, or so it seems,
they manage to limp into a remote service station, manned by the
apparently friendly and good natured middle aged Pascual (Tony
Arteaga).
What should be relief at their good luck
begins a succession of disasters. Pascual informs the couple that he
is awaiting a fresh supply of petrol. Undaunted at having to stay
overnight, they live it up in true British style, with the help of
copious quantities of Pascual’s tequila.
Their plight nosedives the next morning
when Sophie hears by chance a news broadcast of a petrol crisis and
stock markets in turmoil – this play could not be more instantly
topical! Optimism gives way to panic as the reality of their trapped
situation hits home. The play takes on a darker tone and the need to
survive replaces moral behaviour. The ending is dramatic and
unexpected.
Jonathan Young and Laura Lloyd play their
parts with energy and gusto. This is balanced by Tony Arteaga’s
low key interpretation of his character thus providing a contrast to
the exuberance of the young couple.
The theme of impending energy doom is not
new but in the account of Justin and Sophie’s predicament there is
an uncomfortable reminder of how fragile our way of life is.
****
|