The play concerns a case currently in the news in the United States where a two years' old child, Caylee Anthony, went missing in 2008 and the child's mother was subsequently charged with murder. By coincidence the murder trial commences tomorrow.
The play focusses on the media attention given to the case; in particular by a current affairs journalist Nancy Grace. I've never heard of Ms Grace but the program notes states that her nightly show has made headlines around the world for its intense, and sometimes controversial, coverage of high profile cases. The play is not acted out in the traditional sense. Ms Grace is never seen in person but she inhabits the entire play through her presence on large television screens delivering her 'shock jock' style of questioning and comments. The various characters, expert witnesses and other contributors sit in a row on stage delivering their lines when the spotlight shines on them.
This is not the first time I have seen a play where the entire dialogue has been based on recorded transcripts but whereas those I have seen previously came across as dull and clumsy this play maintained my attention and interest.
The performances cleverly echoed the cadences and tempo in the modern trend of media sensationalism which has become all too familiar to us nowadays. Listening to this play I was reminded of the Azaria Chamberlain case and of various notorious Australian radio journalists who will remain unnamed by me.
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