Grenfell: In the Words of Survivors is a powerful piece of verbatim theatre – review
Before the show begins we’re aware that this is likely to be an extremely affecting piece of theatre – there are signs around the bar area of the Dorfman Theatre (the smallest of the three spaces in the National Theatre) advising audience members that there are safe spaces available upstairs in the theatre if they’re required during the evening.
Before act one begins, the actors introduce themselves – out of character – to give us some context about the play, to reassure the audience that no fire will be shown at any time, and that we are free to leave the theatre whenever we wish if we feel we need to do so.
Grenfell: In the Words of Survivors tells the stories of nine survivors of the fire that broke out at the tower block back in June 2017, claiming 72 lives.
Alongside their testimony – which is taken verbatim from interviews collected over the last few years – we also hear the views of the local Labour councillor as well as statements from representatives of the building management company and the developers tasked with the refurbishment of the tower block.
