At The Barricades.

At this cozy, black box style venue through an unconventional use of the space we were transported back 90 years to the Spanish civil war. Walking under the barricade to take our seats on what would usually be the stage.

As we entered, the actors were already in position and in character taking turns on watch over the trenches.

It wasn’t long before the action started with sirens alerting to an incoming attack.

The story followed 6 characters from different backgrounds who all felt drawn to fight for the communist cause. Each bringing their own backstory and reasoning for traveling to Madrid to be on the front line.

Through personal and military conflicts the stories evolve culminating in a devastating loss of life, representing the reality of the difficult conflict.

James Clements and Sam Hood Adrain co-wrote and star in this exciting play alongside an excellent cast of actors - Stephanie Del Bino, Edu Diaz, Devante Lawrence and Chelsea Sutherland each playing different and diverse characters from around the world.

Federica Borlenghi’s direction really brought the stories to life and the site specific set installations makes the audience feel truly part of the action.

Adrien Yuen’s innovative lighting design transformed the stage and added suspense in the quiet scenes and surprise throughout the front line action sequences.

Overall there was a well executed performance that demonstrated the skill of the writers well and gave space for each actor to tell their part of the story and give the audience an entertaining and thought provoking 90 minutes.

The show ends in complete silence with no curtain call leaving the audience to take stock of what they have just experienced, feeling almost like the only survivors of the conflict, applause in this case was for our own victory being able to step back under the barricades back into the reality of present day New York City.