Almost thirty years after its original conception, Emily Mann’s verbatim dramatization of the trial of "All American" ex-soldier Dan White finally makes it over here in Joss Bennathan’s involving, deftly orchestrated production.
Aside from being a solder, White was a former fireman and disgruntled city supervisor who shot both Harvey Milk (the first openly gay man to be elected to public office in the US) and George Moscone, (the liberal mayor of California).
Telling quotes taken from interviews, the media and the street are interwoven with sections of the 1978 trial transcript to paint a picture of a San Francisco establishment – and a police force - more pro the murderer than the innocent victims. A committed cast of twenty (several of whom take on various roles) brings the tense atmosphere in the courtroom to life as Ben Mars’ increasingly frustrated prosecutor goes head to head with a defence lawyer who pleads for a lesser conviction of manslaughter - on the grounds of his client’s depression, diminished responsibility and, infamously, uncharacteristic binge on Twinkies and sugary junk food.
Southwark Playhouse, Shipwright Yard, SE1 2TF (020 7407 0234) Tube: London Bridge Until February 4 (£10-£18.00) southwarkplayhouse.co.uk
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