This fascinating world premiere based on a true story has plenty for the audience to focus on.
It can be an immensely difficult task to take a true life story and bring it to the stage in a way that will engage the audience’s attention and leave them wanting to do their own research on the circumstances to deepen their understanding. Lindsey Ferrentino’s The Fear of 13 is a brilliant example of how it can work astoundingly well.
Telling the story of Nick Yarris, who ends up on death row for a crime that he didn’t commit at the age of 21 and spending 22 years there – it is a story of human resilience and hope in the most horrendous of circumstances. What could easily have been a sentimental and overblown take on the story is actually grittier and more intimate in the way in which it unfolds through his relationship with Jackie Schaffer a prison visitor who he eventually falls for. It is a story of injustice, an examination of the death penalty but also determination to be heard and believed at all costs.
The sense of intimacy and focus of Justin Martin’s production is heightened thanks to the oppressive nature of Miriam Buether’s set design that highlights how slowly time passes by in prison, while allowing the audience feel as close to the story unfolding as possible. The use of music and Jon Clarke’s lighting design lends itself to making for a haunting atmosphere – moments such as the doomed relationship of two inmates and Nick’s dream of settling down with Jackie in a house of his imagination are two examples . As the years pass by in the story, the production surprisingly zips along at a pleasing pace (particularly when the idea of DNA coming into play in his case but not much happens over the course of several years)- without ever losing the emotional heart of it, as Nick recounts stories from his childhood and reflects on the things that he has missed out on feel particularly profound. Time is a central factor to telling this story and showcasing how incredible it is.
Yet both the play and the production also surprises in the way in which it uses humour as well. Whether that is the prison guard’s opening monologue, which then beautifully merges into the story well or the way in which several of the cast showcase their versatility in performing as variety of characters. Perhaps there is a lot to unpack emotionally throughout that can make it feel overwhelming in places, yet this doesn’t distract from the story overall – every element of the production just works to perfection.
Making his London Theatre stage debut, Adrien Brody as Nick showcases plenty of versatility in the role, allowing the audience the opportunity to gradually get to know the character and proving to be a great storyteller in a way that leaves the audience hanging onto every word that he speaks. There is a reason why he has won an Oscar. He makes every emotional change that the character undergoes look effortless – there is charm and deep emotional core to his performance that is compelling to watch.
He is well matched by Nana Mensah as Jackie who captures the experience of falling for someone in prison heartbreakingly well – she is focused and committed to the character throughout and more moments of her experience would have been welcome. The supporting cast as inmates and other characters add additional depth and context to Nick’s life both inside and outside of prison beautifully and sometimes chillingly well.
The Fear of 13 is a powerful piece of theatre and pitch perfect in the way in which it handles the story that it is hard not to be moved by it. Highly recommended.
By Emma Clarendon
The Fear of 13 continues to play at the Donmar Warehouse until the 30th November.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐