In the dystopian world of Chloe Moss's 'Monster Lungs 2071', the air is toxic, the oceans are rising, and the planet is on the brink of collapse. Yet, amidst this environmental devastation, Moss finds a glimmer of hope in the unyielding spirit of a mother and the transformative power of art.
The play follows the life of Bea (played with raw emotion by Christina Bennett Lind),a single mother who struggles to raise her daughter, Iris (played with a captivating innocence by Abigail Lucy),in a world ravaged by climate change.
As Bea grapples with the suffocating reality of their situation, she finds solace in creating a list of 'Every Brilliant Thing' in the world. This list becomes a lifeline for both Bea and Iris, a testament to the beauty and resilience that can be found even in the darkest of times.
From the simple pleasures of a warm bath to the profound joy of a child's laughter, Bea's list becomes a celebration of life and a reminder of the things worth fighting for. But as the environmental crisis worsens, Bea's list also becomes a poignant reminder of all that is being lost.
Moss's writing is lyrical and evocative, capturing the complexities of motherhood, climate change, and the search for hope. The play is a powerful exploration of how we can find meaning and connection in a world that is increasingly fragmented and uncertain.
Director Sarah Benson brings Moss's vision to life with a production that is both intimate and epic. The set design, by Amelia Binney, is a stark and haunting reminder of the environmental crisis, with towering walls and dusty air that create a sense of claustrophobia and despair.
The cast is superb, with Lind delivering a tour-de-force performance as Bea. Her portrayal is raw, vulnerable, and deeply moving, capturing the complexities of a mother's love and the desperation of a woman trying to protect her child in a dying world.
Abigail Lucy is equally impressive as Iris, bringing a childlike wonder and innocence to the role. Her performance captures the resilience and hope that can be found even in the most challenging circumstances.
'Monster Lungs 2071' is a play that will stay with you long after the curtain falls. It is a powerful exploration of the human spirit and the ways in which we can find hope and connection in a world that is increasingly difficult to navigate.
This play is a must-see for anyone who cares about the future of our planet and the power of art to inspire and transform.
'Monster Lungs 2071' plays at the Jerwood Theatre Upstairs, Royal Court Theatre, until 15 April 2023.
