What I liked
I enjoy being kept on the edge of my seat, wondering what really happened. Trunk doesn’t disappoint. I went through loving, then hating, then loving again, then hating again. What that means to me is both characters had immense flaws that allow us to empathize with their decisions but not excuse them.
What I didn't like
Whenever you have a live play that is heavy with dialogue, and in particular, heated arguing between characters, it’s important to block movement. Something visual to break up or even enhance the dialogue. I immediately thought of an old BBC/PBS live dramas in the 70’s and 80’s. With some creative lighting changes (simple mood enhancing scheme) and better blocking or visual movement. It’s tricky because we want the realism verses absurdism. But I think it could be done.
My overall impression
TRUNK is a fantastic exploration of the anxiety of loss and the burden of grief. Through the intense performances by Lucie Beeby and Kate Hellen, we get to see the rollercoaster of emotions one goes through when unearthed truths come to surface. Ultimately heartbreak is compounded by guilt and unresolved trauma triggered by items in a Trunk that were never meant to be found. Great acting and wonderfully produced show.
