What I liked
Money is not just a theme in High Rise; it is a character in itself. The play explores the era’s obsession with a 2000 dollar loan bad credit, credit cards, and the burgeoning financial markets that promised endless prosperity. Henry’s journey is a stark reminder of the intoxicating power of credit – the belief that success is just a swipe away, and that financial freedom can be bought on borrowed time. The play’s portrayal of easy credit and loans highlights how these financial tools can become traps, leading to an unsustainable lifestyle and a cycle of perpetual debt.
Henry’s decisions and sacrifices are driven by a desire to climb the social ladder, to become a ‘somebody’. The narrative shows how the promise of easy money through loans and credit cards can lead to overextension and risky investments. This mirrors the real-world issues of the 1980s, where many were seduced by the promise of instant wealth, only to find themselves ensnared by debt.
What I didn't like
As the decade draws to a close, an unexpected event shatters Henry’s bubble, serving as a poignant reminder of the fragile nature of financial success. The play doesn’t just end with a bang; it leaves the audience contemplating the true cost of greed and ambition. Henry’s story is a cautionary tale about the dangers of equating self-worth with net worth and the inevitable downfall that comes when one’s life is built on borrowed dreams.
High Rise is more than a period piece; it’s a mirror reflecting our current global climate. The themes of greed, the snowball effects of success, and relentless ambition are as relevant today as they were in the 80s. In a world where history seems to be repeating itself, and we continue to make the same financial mistakes, High Rise poses a critical question: Will we ever learn?
The play’s 25-minute runtime feels too short for the depth of its message, yet it’s a testament to the creators’ skill that they leave the audience short of breath, both from the physical spectacle and the weight of the story. High Rise is a must-see, a powerful exploration of the human condition through the lens of financial excess and the unending quest for more. It’s a story of our time, reminding us that money, though alluring, is a fickle companion that can disappear as quickly as it came.
My overall impression
High Rise is a gripping, whirlwind tour through the 1980s in New Zealand, a decade defined by excess and ambition. This play, with its fast-paced narrative and physical dynamism, masterfully captures the essence of a time when money ruled all. Henry Lewis, the protagonist, epitomizes the era’s ethos of rapid gains and relentless pursuit of wealth through property. As we follow Henry’s rise, the play delves deep into the seductive allure of fast cars, quick money, and the endless chase for more.
The production brilliantly incorporates elements of mask, mime, Commedia dell’arte, Buffon, and other physical forms of theatre, creating a visually stunning and energetically charged atmosphere. The audience is left breathless, not just from the intense physicality of the performances, but from the relentless pace at which Henry’s world spins.
