Human civilisations might have progressed further but attitudes to anyone who is Gay have gone backwards in the futuristic play Ants and Other Strong Things. The world is now run by the International Cyberspace Order, or ICO for short. They are not open to negotiation or interaction.

Set in a dystopian future in 2050 the world is yet again a violent, intolerant and hostile environment for anyone who is Queer. The laws have been reversed and people are living in fear and under the radar where they can try to be themselves.

Charlie (Magdaléna Škerenčák) and Maya (Manuela Tabarés) are from different sides of the track and after an encounter in the bar where Charlie works the couple begin a Queer, loving, and illegal relationship.

ICO drones and cameras are everywhere monitoring everyone’s movements and anything that takes place in the open can and will be watched and you’re freedom comes at a high cost. You follow the laws and rules to the exact line or face charges, prison or worse being employed by them!

There’s a theme of the 1982 iconic film Blade Runner running through the play. As the ultimate sci-fi film predicting a world under extreme surveillance, rules and fear of doing something against the law this comparison is inevitable.

The cast of two have a strong stage rapport and offer a convincing performance as a couple in love and genuinely in fear for their lives. Although knowing that their future together is fragile and unlikely to last due to the dangerous risks involved, it spurs them both on to be together.

For more information about Ants and Other Strong Things please use the link below. It is well worth catching for non-Sci-fi fans and Sci-fi fans alike.

Four Stars

https://www.edfringe.com/tickets/whats-on/ants-and-other-strong-things