theatre review

On Human Folly

Plain Quakers

Ever had the feeling you're in the wrong place? As I was greeted with a hearty "hello friend!", I realised that, despite being in the Fringe programme, this wasn't any old Fringe theatre: this was a play by Quakers, about Quakers, and was possibly really only aimed at Quakers. Looking at the life of John Woolman, an 18th century Quaker who worked to abolish the slave trade, this was more a history lesson than anything else, proved by the fact that the actors regularly came out of character to tell us a few biographical details. Loosely comparing his work to people's views on environmentalism, the two mature gentlemen discussed modern issues such as plastic bags and freeganism. I'd comment on the shaky acting, but it's hardly the point: this is education, not recreation.

Quaker Meeting House, 18-23 Aug, 4.30pm (5.30pm), £7.00 (£5.00), fpp 221

tw rating: 2/5

published: Aug-2008

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