Have you ever made a choice that lingers in your thoughts, haunting you with the question, "What if?" What if you could witness the alternate path unfold, the life you might have led had you made that other decision? Would it fracture your sense of self, erode your morals, or unravel your relationships? Or would fate, in its twisted wisdom, always lead you to the same destination?
Body or Soul, produced by Fury Theatre, immerses the audience in seventy-five minutes of thought-provoking theatre, crafting two parallel worlds for Jess, the central character, as she grapples with the consequences of accepting or rejecting a high-paying, high-pressure job.
The play masterfully explores how even our work choices, regardless of industry or role, demand compromise—whether it be at the expense of our moral compass, our time, our bodies, or the people who bring us joy. As Jess candidly remarks, “We all wear masks when we go to work.”
The writers cleverly juxtapose the two versions of Jess: one who rejects a morally dubious job as an influencer for Gabu, to end up working in the sex industry. Her experiences in the world of Only Cams, from enduring pity and online trolling to facing brutal judgment from others, shine a light on the harsh realities of this line of work. Yet, Jess’s sense of agency in this role subverts the stereotype that such jobs are only taken from desperation or failure, offering a fresh perspective that challenges societal stigma.
the audience is swept up in the tension
One of the play’s greatest strengths is its seamless transitions between the parallel realities. As the characters move effortlessly between the two timelines, the audience is swept up in the tension of seeing Jess’s life split in two—each decision rippling with distinct consequences. The pace is sharp, the emotions raw, and the clever staging ensures the audience remains captivated by both narratives unfolding simultaneously. At times, the two Jessies connect, see one another and even antagonise each other.
Detail is woven with care throughout the performance, heightening the suspense. From the sound of tokens dropping in on the porn site to Jess’s exaggerated pitches for Gabu’s latest fashion line, the show is peppered with moments that evoke discomfort and reflection.
Beneath the surface, the play delves into broader societal issues—fast fashion, child exploitation, modern slavery—all converging to question the value of our labour in a world where worth is measured in pennies per minute. Body or Soul confronts its viewers with some hard truths, forcing us to reckon with the compromises we make for job stability and income and the often invisible costs of our choices.
Ultimately, this is a play that doesn’t just satisfy the brain; it stirs the soul.
Body and Soul played at the Nottingham Playhouse on Weds 23rd Ocotber 2024
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