The Pirate Jenny theatre group's production of Breaker's Yard* by Andy Smith is a courageous attempt to weave elements of drama with an emotional impact into the skit form commonly used by agitprop theatre. The play is about socialisation and sexuality, and the various ideological pressures of bourgeois society are portrayed as different 'educators' who can, however, be identified only vaguely. Perhaps they are a teacher, beautician, older friend, adman, policeman, social These mentors set to work on a boy and girl to condition them to the sexual and family roles required by capitalism. Her path to success and security lies through being 'very stupid and silly" deodorised and painted awaiting the com mand of her "supermarket hero'. His goal must be the attainment of supreme power, a big house, a big car and an 18-inch erection. "You can't do it, but you'!! die trying, won't you?' he is told; while she fantasies in song about me in my bikini shorts, you with your dirty thoughts.
A powertul episode occurs on their honeymoon, when they sense repressed aspects of their personalities but are too frightened to face the facts of their com mon oppression-taking it out on each other lapses into a crude and mechanical approach, but a more important weakness is the general portrayal of socialisation as a process of simple conditioning of virtually passive beings by all-powerful and unbreakable forces As no contradictions or weaknesses emerge in the camp of the repressive enemy, any hope of change appears to rely on some naturally" based (i.e. not socially instilled) rebelliousness on the part of the victims. This idealistic approach appears to suggest that there is no solution-a point which became apparent in the open discussion which is arranged after each performance.
But a cheery menace runs through the play, which is very effectively actedsometimes to the point of being chillingly disturbing. Pirate Jenny and Breaker's Yard are well worth an evening of your time.
*The play is now showing in London, at the King's Head, 115 Upper Street, N.I. until 24 July, and then at the ICA, Nash House, The Mall, S.W.I. from 27-31 July. The play will then tour Yorkshire in October. Bookings and other enquiries to: Pirate Jenny, 11 Acklam Road, London W.IO. instead. Of course there are also