REVIEW: My Name Is Rachel Corrie (Greenwich Theatre)

Star rating: ★★★★

My Name is Rachel Corrie is based on the true story originally adapted by Alan Rickman and Katherine Viner, directed by James Haddrell.

It tells the story of a young American activist in March 2003. Drawing directly from her own journals and emails, this acclaimed and timely revival follows her journey from suburban America to Gaza, where she documented the lives of Palestinian families living under Israeli occupation and ultimately lost her life standing between an army bulldozer and a home.

This one person show stars Cassie Bradley who gives us a powerful assured performance, carrying the 90-minute piece entirely on her own. The way she portrays the role feels like a real young woman rather than a political figure. This is a very strong point, as it is easier to connect to the character. Together with this heavy theme there is also place for humour, intelligence and youthful idealism that come through beautifully.

In the beginning we are getting stories told, but we can’t really see the impact of it, until the end where everything makes it more devastating.

The performance flows fluently from her everyday life to her experiences in Gaza, which is incredibly affecting. The final section is deeply moving, even though you already know Rachel’s fate. Her words feel painfully relevant today, giving the revival additional weight.

The bedroom setting is simple but effective, and created by Jana Lakatos particularly the use of letters, documents and writing on the walls, with photos, books and pictures on the roof. During the show Rachel tells the audience letters and stories, while using Rachel’s own diaries, emails and writings which gives the piece real intimacy and authenticity.

The show is only 90 minutes, but for a solo show based on true events, it can feel heavy and long sometimes. Some sections containing facts and statistics slow the dramatic momentum. The transition from Rachel’s ordinary life to her activism could perhaps be explored more fully.

My name is Rachel corrie is playing at the Greenwich Theatre until 17 Ocotber. More information can be found here: https://greenwichtheatre.org.uk/events/my-name-is-rachel-corrie/