The Knowing by Imogen Wilde.

Climate change entered the political arena in the 1990s. The Knowing written by Imogen Wilde follows a storyline based on real events and is presented by Bones in Motion Theatre. Just how far will the government go to prevent activist’s freedom of speech?

Tucked away in a remote part of Scotland an eco-activist community lives by sustainable means. The ideology is sold to each of them as a piece of heaven that will allow them to follow their “calling” and make a difference. On arrival, they surrender their phones and all electrical items leaving the outside world behind them. Just how feasible is it to cut off family and friends without looking back?

Millie (Imogen Wilde) an activist with a high profile has made a very public mistake and needs to retreat from the glare of the spotlight. The remote eco-community sounds too good to be true. Her entrance isn’t received particularly favourable by long-term resident Ruth (Rebecca Crankshaw). Ruth is responsible for the Bees and returns angry with Millie after working together once.

Within all communities, there are relationship clashes, job sharing and heated debates. Even though they share a common concern the information they have on climate change varies due to which year they first arrived in the community.

As the group begin to talk and discover each other’s background they soon work out why they have been drawn to the community or dropped off there and the reason appears to have nothing to do with saving the planet.

There’s a strong underlying passion for their beliefs and the strong cast of five portrays believable characters who genuinely want to make a significant difference to a more sustainable way of life.

With so many potential spoilers available to “spill” it’s a challenge to review The Knowing. However, I would not be surprised if communities similar to this one exist to prevent the government from facing up to the concerns over the catastrophic climate changes taking place. Climate change Problem, what Problem!

The play is thought-provoking and opens up questions about how much are “we” doing to help save the planet and live a more sustainable life for future generations.

For more information on this play and future productions at Brockley Jack Theatre use the link below.

Four Stars.