Based on the short story by American science fiction writer Philip K Dick, Minority Report in an adaptation by David Haig (on tour, currently at Lyric Hammersmith) explores the age old debate between pre-destiny and free will.
Absolutely extraordinary staging places the action firmly in 2050, as the pre-crime foundation celebrates its 10th anniversary and the incarceration of many “criminals” before they have committed their crimes.
The system finds its CEO about to commit pre-murder and the play sees her battling to save her name against her own supposedly infallible system. The set design for her escape scenes (coming from the producers of Life of Pi) is truly cinematic and it is at times impossible to believe that you are at the theatre watching something live. Choreographed movement (Lucy Hind) adds effectively to the tension.
There does at times seem to be too much physical distance on stage between actors, making it hard to really believe and invest in some of their relationships. Jodie McNee’s initial costume also let her down, not supporting her in portraying a CEO of a company at the heart of society’s safety.
The debate between the freedom of the individual versus the safety of society is an important one – one that feels refreshingly current when we think about the passion on either side of recent lockdown and vaccination debates. The creeping influence of technology and its hold over us is also laid open for scrutiny.
For fans of Sci Fi, there is a lot of enjoy here.
Have others seen Minority Report? What were your thoughts?
Red Bus Londinium Life 
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