The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return Review - Jen Ramm
/Confronting, exhilarating and nostalgic, The Chaos That Has Been And Will No Doubt Return balances humour with thought-provoking insight, written by Sam Edmunds and co-directed with Vikesh Godhwani. Donning their (faux) Ralph Lauren polo shirts, texting on Blackberrys and adorning their bedrooms with Sean Paul posters, laddish teenagers Voice and Lewis transport us to times gone by - to austerity-stricken Luton, some twenty years ago. At times, the production may feel like a nostalgic trip into the past, yet it carries themes that still resonate today. Through the lens of friendship, youth, and hope, one momentous night unravels; we witness the rawness and mayhem of growing up in a place caught in the undertow of systemic neglect.
Voice and Lewis are two sides of the same coin, each trying to shape their future while navigating a town scarred by violence and few opportunities. Throughout, Chaos manages to mix lightheartedness with harsh reality. Towards the end of a night of partying, drinking and first kisses, Lewis becomes a victim of knife crime - he survives, and expresses his forgiveness for his attacker in a moment of wisdom and vulnerability not often seen from teenage boys. This is an area where the show excels: portraying male character dynamics through a yin-yang perspective. Streaks of violence, but displays of softness towards each other as well as their crushes, Jas and Lakesha. Machoism and schoolboy bravado, but sensitivity when it comes to relationships, life choices and bearing the weight of their parents' sacrifices. The pair can share their fears, hug, and harbour an openness that feels rare and deeply human. Chaos does a wonderful job at highlighting the tenderness that can prevail in male friendships even amidst chaos, danger, and the pressures of growing up. These themes are boldly explored against the backdrop of a simple, minimalistic set that comes alive with dynamic lighting and vibrant colours.
Despite the obstacles these Luton-born and bred characters face, they remain rooted in their home - even if they dream of blooming elsewhere. With further education often seen as an escape from a difficult environment, Voice and Lewis grapple with the tension between belonging and ambition. Still, the characters take pride in the vibrancy of their hometown, referring fondly to the bossman who runs the corner shop, or the different cultural communities that bring colour and life to their streets. Chaos underscores the idea that home is what you make of it.
The performance comes full circle, ending with Voice and Lewis back on the same brick wall where their story started. Certain moments in the dialogue risk feeling moralising, as we listen to the two boys reflect on how life is defined by the choices we make - the lesson spelt out a little too explicitly. Still, the duo concludes the show’s story, showing how it is possible to hold onto hope and the possibility of a brighter future. While a little heavy-handed and bombastic at times, Chaos is sure to leave those who grew up in a similar time with a warm, fuzzy feeling driven by nostalgia, or even a bittersweet sense of validation and being seen in the story. And yet, it still mirrors the spectrum of experiences young people face today.
Jen Ramm, she/her
Review by Jen Ramm