“Jack Stokes delivers a performance of truly spellbinding impact in this razor-sharp exploration of the darkness lurking beneath the American Dream.”
This Is Not America from writer-director Philip Stokes arrives at the Pleasance this Edinburgh Festival Fringe, with the one-man play anchored by a fearless performance from Jack Stokes. Delving into the darkness at the heart of the American Dream, Stokes presents a challenging and uncomfortable glimpse of a fragmented USA through the story of one American family.
Following the discovery of a dead body, three identical brothers are dragged away and subjected to interrogation by detectives. As each brother recounts their suspicions about what has happened and why they are being questioned, their stories begin to intersect and dark secrets gradually emerge.
Philip Stokes’ production carefully weaves its narrative through the testimonies of each interrogated brother, each representing a slightly different product of contemporary America. Embodying brash machismo, outdated attitudes towards women and minorities, and a disturbing fascination with violence, the brothers appear remarkably unfazed by their incarceration and almost gleeful about the bloodshed they are being questioned over. The writer gradually peels back the layers of these characters, revealing more about their troubled upbringing and the off-kilter brotherly dynamics that have shaped them.
This Is Not America presents an American Dream shrouded in violence, greed and corruption, drawing inspiration from the likes of True Detective, In Cold Blood and Rosemary’s Baby, the latter heavily referenced throughout the production. Blending true crime with elements of psychological horror and the occult, the play creates rich thematic territory, with its narrative gripping throughout thanks to its twists, turns and razor-sharp social commentary.
The powerful stage design subtly hints at the subject matter. An expansive United States flag hangs across the back of the stage, while ritualistic, twig-like structures, reminiscent of The Blair Witch Project, surround an imposing throne-style chair. These striking visuals are complemented by an equally effective sound design, carefully woven into the narrative to create an ever-growing sense of unease and tension.
Jack Stokes delivers a performance of truly spellbinding impact. Standing bare-chested throughout much of the production, he effortlessly embodies the distinct characteristics of each brother, balancing emboldened machismo, dark occult energy and flashes of vulnerability with remarkable physicality and emotional depth. His performance powers relentlessly from one portrayal to the next with commanding intensity and a complete understanding of each character. Despite the rapid transitions, every brother feels clearly defined, making for an exceptional one-man performance.
This Is Not America is an unsettling, thought-provoking piece of theatre. Philip Stokes’ gripping script combines psychological horror, true crime and biting social commentary into a powerful examination of violence, identity and the fractured ideals of modern America, while Jack Stokes’ extraordinary solo performance holds the audience captive from beginning to end. Challenging, atmospheric and packed with tension, this is undoubtedly set to shine as one of the Fringe’s standout new plays.
THIS IS NOT AMERICA: A Razor-Edge New Play To Start Your Day! runs until August 31st in Bunker Two at Pleasance Courtyard. Tickets are available here.
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