Mo + Jess Kill Susie, directed by Murray Lynch, Bats Theatre, reviewed by Lynn Freeman

GARY Henderson’s play about two women who kidnap a police officer is as deeply disturbing and provocative today as when I first saw it a decade or so ago.
Since it was first performed we have had more kidnappings, more shootings of and by police, more protests, more child abuse, more people imprisoned. Henderson is unflinching in his script, Murray Lynch’s superb actors are equally unflinching in their portrayals of these three women.
Cian Elyse White and Juanita Hepi bring tremendous energy and depth of emotion to the two kidnappers. They are each filled with hate and resentment, though for entirely different reasons. One because her family has been damaged through her husband’s imprisonment, the other scarred by her father’s indifference.
Their victim is a police officer whose husband is involved in a waterfront protest. As Susie, Antonia Bale has a tough job, mainly because she is blindfolded for most of the play. We watch actors’ eyes for expression, Bale has to convince us without them and she does it well.
Lynch keeps the action in top gear, using the tiny claustrophobic space to full effect. The violent scenes make you wince, and when the women are telling their stories you find yourself engrossed and moved. It’s a great production of a very fine play.