EDINBURGH 2018: Review: CLOSED DOORS, Summerhall

A city that is loved despite its reputation. Closed Doors takes place in a multicultural neighbourhood in Glasgow. On a cold November night, a tenement is evacuated by the police and four women gather in a nearby sari shop while they wait to find out what is happening.

Maggie has lived in the close for fifty years and she doesn't like what she sees in her neighbourhood. Initially, she tries to mask her racism but as frustration grows she lashes out at her eastern European neighbours. There is tension in the streets that she has lived in all her life and she knows who she blames for it.

The narrative of Closed Doors is delivered as hypnotic hip-hop poetry by Belle Jones. She tells us the story of this small community to pulsing beats. Closed Doors is also a collaboration with Glasgow duo Novasound. Audrey Tait is on drums and percussion and uses this to build suspense throughout the show. Lauren Gilmour plays the piano and provides stunning clear vocals for the piece as well as acting as a couple of the characters. The blend of music and poetry to tell this story is what makes Closed Doors such a captivating piece.

Closed Doors is a spectacular combination of beautifully written theatre, wonderful music and a solid, important message. The three women onstage make an incredibly tight team and never miss a beat. Closed Doors isn't theatre that can be lumped into a singular genre and it makes for a thrilling watch.

https://festival18.summerhall.co.uk/event/closed-doors/