Paper seems an arbitrary subject for a stage show. Deceptively blank of suggestion, it stops me from forming any real notion of what kind of show I would be walking into. I’m happy to report, that it turns out to be a good one.
The paper itself comes in many forms for the production. Ticket stubs, postcards, menus- all are present and accounted for, brought together to form a map of a young couple’s relationship. Of course, it’s not places the papers guide us through but the memories attached, inked onto their surfaces. The arbitrariness of the paper is intentionally chosen as the play’s spotlight, to showcase and exemplify the immateriality of love, and of its memory.
The singing and acting talent of our two leads, Emma Mullen and Christopher Jordan-Marshall, shines through the simple staging. They have two benches and a plain white fabric wall behind them to make magic with and they deliver a moving performance. Oh and there’s paper too, obviously.
Though each actor, not to mention the show’s equally skilled pianist, enjoys solo moments alone in the foreground, overall the play feels like a long duet. The melding of voices, which manage to retain their distinct Scottishness even through song, is rapturous. Were there any less interaction and chemistry between the performers, I think it would have become a very different show. Less intimate and far less emotional for sure.
In fact, I am somewhat embarrassed to admit that I find myself towards the end of the play, having to distract myself to stop a minor case of weepy eyes. It speaks well to the talent of the actors and the quality of the script, neither of which can be easily denied.
A History of Paper by Oliver Emanuel and Gareth Williams, Traverse Theatre, times vary, until August 25.
https://tickets.edfringe.com/whats-on/history-of-paper-by-oliver-emanuel-and-gareth-williams
