The Pinstripe Trilogy at Theatre Delicatessen

The Pinstripe Trilogy by The Lab Collective is a well-built combination of three separate performances whose fil rouge is an attempt to analyse the influence of money on modern life. All the acts directly involve the audience through cleverly devised stratagems aiming to make them a part of the show rather than mere spectators.  

The first piece, Matador, sees a trader grappling with society in a metaphorical bullfight, denouncing the very system to which he once bowed, which gave him everything and took it away. The actor stands within a red circle drawn on the floor, surrounded by the public representing the bulls he must defeat in order to survive.

The second round, The Bean Counter, is set up like a public prosecution. A possible tax evader sits in front of an officer, struggling to explain the importance of paying taxes and how avoiding doing so is detrimental to everyone, only to discover he no longer believes his own argument.

The final part of the play, The Trust Fund, is set in a fictional conference room where a company representative tries to acquire new members by leveraging their interest in children (the future and therefore a reasonable investment). A member of dazed crowd speaks up, but will he be strong enough to stand his ground?

The Pinstripe Trilogy is a brilliant series of impeccably delivered performances, which should not be confined to a short run at the theatre. This fiercely satirical look at the world of finance and commerce is a powerful a means to make people open their eyes and broaden their minds. Disguised in the form of a play, it could actually steer viewers on to a nobler course.

Verdict: •••••

Rita Vicinanza

The Pinstripe Trilogy is on at Theatre Delicatessen until 23^rd February 2013. For further information or to book tickets, click here.