The brain is one of those organs that allows us to think and
feel, also it has a function that enables us to live and remember the moments
that are positive and those that are not so encouraging, but what emerges when
institutes are playing up to this with coming at it as a form of manipulation
and commercial commodity? The National Theatre’s production of Tom Stoppard’s
newest play, ‘The Hard Problem’ informs us of the workings of brain science
establishments and the studies that are undertaken, in addition, the
performances were brilliantly conveyed.
‘The Hard Problem’ is set in a number of locations, but
firstly we are familiarised with Hilary, a young psychology researcher who is
at the end point of her Batchelor’s degree is in bed with her mentor, Spike in
the hope that she will gain some extra marks for her final assignment. When she is about to have an interview for a
job at the Khrol Institute, which is a million pound association, she meets
Master’s degree graduate, Amal (Parth Thakerar) a slightly aloof person with in
depth knowledge about the maths behind brain science. Hilary thinks she will not be successful, but
with some helpful hints from Ursula (Lucy Robinson), an employee within the
organisation she triumphs over Amal and is offered the job by her soon to be
boss, Leo (Jonathan Coy). As she settles
comfortably into her role, we learn of Hilary’s teenage pregnancy where she
gave her up immediately after she was born as she know ha she could not care
for her. However, the owner of the Khrol
Institute, Jerry (Anthony Calf) has a daughter who is the exact same age as the
one that Hilary had adopted and with the same name, Cathy. Strangely enough,
Cathy is in fact adopted by Jerry and his Japanese wife. Progressively, when Hilary is acquainted with
Bo, a graduate from an esteemed Shanghai university, there seems to be a connection
and they soon begin to work with one another on whether there is such a thing
as a good person. Paradoxically, Bo has been secretly rejecting specific
results from children as they could disprove the final outcome and fluidity of
the studies’ results. At a celebration where the investigation has been printed
where their friends and partners have been invited to, such as Ursula’s amusing
yoga instructor girlfriend, Julia (Rosie Hilal), Bo has the courage to tell
Hilary of her wrong doings. Finally, when Leo is informed of what Bo has done,
Hilary makes a conscious decision and resigns to move to New York. Stoppard’s
narrative fiercely conveys the fine line of what studies can be published or
not, as well as the understanding of the consciousness of the brain.
One found the performances by the company of, ‘The Hard Problem
‘to be clear and interesting within all corners of the show with gracious voice
and movements. Olivia Vinal is excellent
as the young psychology researcher, Hilary; predominantly in the scenes where
she is in bed with Spike and how she becomes dismayed when he dampens the way
in which she has written the article and declares that it should not be
expressed. Damian Molony is gorgeous as
Hilary’s hunky mentor, Spike; mainly when he is in a slightly merry mood at the
celebration party where he belittles Hilary and Bo’s work, in which it causes
an argument between him and Hilary. Vera Chok is splendid as Hilary’s
side-kick, Bo; principally she is feeling helpless as her professionalism comes
under fire when it comes to light that she has been removing the factual
evidence of the study that should have been implemented.
Nicholas Hynter’s final direction at the National Theatre is
wonderful here as he has been able to bring the topic of the consciousness of
the brain and the workings of the organ with stylistic ease and fluidity which
is shown through the actor’s portrayals. It’s safe to say that the National
Theatre will be very sad to see him depart. Bob Crowley’s design is intriguing
as you are immersed into the environment of the brain science world and how it’s
become a commercial model, furthermore the lighting installation is particularly
mesmerising. Overall, the experience of, ‘The Hard Problem’ was one that is an
intriguing insight into how everything is an entrepreneurial venture.
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