Flight (play)

Flight is a play written by Ukrainian-born British playwright, Ella Hickson. It is a theatrical experience that combines elements of performance, installation, and storytelling. The play focuses on themes of migration, displacement, and the human cost of global mobility.

Synopsis

Flight presents a series of interconnected narratives exploring the experiences of migrants across different time periods and geographical locations. It often employs multiple, self-contained booths or spaces within the theatre, each depicting a distinct story. Audience members are typically provided with headphones and can choose which narrative to listen to and engage with, creating a personalized and fragmented experience. The play aims to highlight the shared humanity and universal struggles faced by individuals forced to leave their homes and seek refuge elsewhere.

Themes

Key themes explored in Flight include:

• Migration and Displacement: The central focus of the play is the forced movement of people due to conflict, economic hardship, or environmental factors.
• Humanity and Empathy: The narratives aim to evoke empathy and understanding for the plight of migrants, challenging dehumanizing stereotypes and narratives.
• Identity and Belonging: The play explores the loss of identity and the search for belonging that often accompanies displacement.
• Global Inequality: Flight implicitly critiques the global systems and power structures that contribute to migration and displacement.
• Storytelling and Perspective: The fragmented narrative structure encourages audiences to consider different perspectives and the power of storytelling to shape understanding.

Production Style

Flight is notable for its innovative use of staging and technology. Productions often feature:

• Individual Booths/Spaces: The audience typically moves between distinct spaces, each representing a different narrative.
• Headphones and Sound Design: Binaural audio and immersive sound design are crucial elements, allowing audiences to focus on individual stories and create a sense of intimacy.
• Non-linear Narrative: The audience's ability to choose which story to follow creates a non-linear and personalized experience.
• Minimalist Design: The focus is often on the storytelling and the emotional impact of the narratives, rather than elaborate sets and costumes.

Reception

Flight has been generally well-received, praised for its innovative format, its powerful storytelling, and its thought-provoking exploration of complex social issues. Critics have particularly highlighted the play's ability to create a sense of empathy and understanding for the experiences of migrants.