Gene David Kirk’s exploration of homosexuality in the army
is, expectedly, a tragic and harrowing experience. Yesterday’s
Tomorrow follows the growing relationship between two soldiers: the softly
spoken, polite Ian (Ben Carpenter) and the brash, aggressive John (Matthew
Schmolle). The events unfold during an
unspecified, modern war (Kosovo or Iraq perhaps) – together with the abstract
sound and cardboard box set, it’s clear that the play’s themes are applicable
to any and all wars.
Through its characterisation, the play explores perceptions
of homosexuality and masculinity within the army – a place where the men must
fight homophobia in the ranks as well as the enemy. The two central protagonists are closeted,
their relationship only possible as a glimmer of hope after their service
concludes. They are bullied by the other typically macho and
bigoted characters who spend their time discussing raping the local women, in particular
the crude and churlish Simon (Nicholas Waters) boasting to the green and
innocent young Paul (River Hawkins).
Individually the characters feel too stereotypical, but together they
provide a worryingly truthful cross-section of male soldiers (the play is based
on actual events). Kirk’s scriptwriting
is suitably contrasting, from John’s macho geezer language to Ian’s poetic
lines that beautifully describe such bloody events, but the central
relationship lacks chemistry, only offering a tender moment in Ian’s final
monologue.
More so, the play is a comment on memory and post-traumatic
stress. “Imagine there’s something in
your memory you can’t shift”, says John early on. The play itself take the form of flashback as
we follow Ian through his past, haunted by his time in the army and struggling
to deal with the after effects.
Different perceptions of the same events are told simultaneously, whilst
abstract sound effects and stark lighting guide us from scene to scene. In this way, the play is structured more as a
fragmented series of memories and ideas rather than a traditional narrative.
As such, Yesterday’s
Tomorrow perhaps skims over its themes a little swiftly during its single
act, but the emotional performances from a very strong cast ensure this is a
gripping, intense and frightening depiction of the horrors of war.
3/5