Directed by Evie Ayres-Townshend, KAREN is written and performed by Sarah Cameron-West. It just finished its run at The Other Palace in London. This one-woman show is a hilarious and absurd take on the internal torment endured by the Protagonist as she goes through a breakup at 30.
KAREN is a story about heartbreak. We find out the Protagonist has just experienced an unceremonious birthday break-up with her boyfriend. Adding insult to injury she finds out her ex is now dating her office nemesis: Karen.
We see the Protagonist go through waves of emotion and rage as she confronts her current situation. To make matters worse she has to endure the office politics along with her personal turmoil as she works with her ex and his new partner Karen. She is almost manic at times which is demonstrated with her shouting accompanied by sound and light effects that amplify her inner turmoil.
Having to deal with these personal emotions is one thing, but when it also impacts her work, this leads to chaos for the Protagonist. She has to still work with these people.
Sarah Cameron-West plays the Protagonist, as a witty, sarcastic and neurotic character that is very relatable for anyone that has endured heartbreak especially when it includes the complication when you work with the ex-partner. Immediately you begin to empathise with the Protagonist.
Cameron-West score is exceptional. Even though she is the only person in the show, the characters she speaks to are so fleshed out that you can see who she is dealing with by filling in the gaps from characters you have worked with in office environments.
KAREN will be showing at this year’s Edinburgh Festival Fringe.
