REVIEW: CATHARSIS at the Bread and Roses Theatre 24-28 March 2026
‘Every scene is a jaw-dropper of information’ ★★★
Catharsis presents a unique approach to theatre; the play is a memoir of the scandal that occurred in the family after the death of the mother. The performance takes place in 3 scenes consisting of scene 1, where the sisters introduce the audience to the plot, and scene 2, where the sisters confront their brother about his fraudulent actions to the family, followed by scene 3, where they laugh victoriously as they celebrate their successful confrontation.
The acting in the play transported the audience, as if they were in the room and part of the confrontation; the lighting divided the audience and the stage, as if we were witnessing an event but could not change the outcome. The performance was raw and emotional, using a script that helped the audience relate to the two sisters and stirred anger at the brother’s betrayal of the family.
The performance felt very mysterious; information is not given away until the minute it is spoken on stage, every scene is a jaw-dropper of information, which makes you, as the viewer, feel more connected and in the loop with the family. The designer used little set furniture; however, due to the constant movement of the furniture between scenes, the set progressed onwards with the characters and created dimension within the plot.
The ending to the performance hints that the play is a personal life story, as the sisters joke about writing a stage play, which leads to the last scene, where she lies in bed writing her story.
It’s a very personal performance that seeks not revenge but pride and makes the audience feel something visceral rather than laughing for a change. A very enjoyable performance to watch, if you like a scandal and confrontation.
Catharsis by Bob Hillis at the Bread And Roses theatre, 24-28 March
Emma Louise-Price Productions
