Have you ever asked yourself what is the difference between ethics and morality? For me, I see ethics as a way of thinking, a set of rules and standards that one uses as a foundation when processing right from wrong. Morality is a code of behavior that comes from within. Ethics is what think but morality is what you do. I would like to think that the two are in sync, but life isn’t always that black and white and sometimes the two are unakin. Grain In the Blood delves into this theory, challenging its characters to question the value of human life, when does one person's value out way another’s? Who can decide what is right and what is wrong and can doing wrong ever be the right choice?
Set against the eerie backdrop of an isolated country community, Grain In The Blood tells the story of a family shattered by a past murder, steeped in folklore this horror-esq drama toes the fine line between poetic realism and stark story telling.
Isaac returns to his family home, having been incarcerated for the murder of his wife. He's been given a second chance to do penance for the terrible crime he committed, but the dead can never be brought back and the dying …well they may not want to live.
Autumn is a young girl whose time is running out. There are only three more sleeps left before her birthday and a mystery party guest has shown up claiming to be her savior but is he really the answer to her prayers.
Her grandmother Sophia chances bringing them all back together in a desperate attempt to save her family, but at what cost? How do you ask someone to give you the gift of life when they have stollen the lives of others.
Burt is a man fighting his own demons, assigned as Issac's chaperone for the weekend, Burt will have to confront his past judgements when his duty is called into question.
Violet is a woman with one thing on her mind retribution. This gun totting fireball is seeking Justice, but will her crusade for "an eye for an eye" ruin the one chance to save the only connection she has left to her dead sister?
The cast of five seem small (in numbers) considering how much presence they have within the room. Unfortunately, not all the actors are on par with each other when it comes to conviction of their characters, however all are committed and determined to give their best. Kim Clifton is remarkable as young Autum, the sickly ghost like girl who swears like sailor. Portrayed by the wrong actress and this character would be just a farce, but Clifton brings diligence, creativity, and authenticity to the demanding role. Also noteworthy is Siobhan Lawless whose Sophiais the voice of reason, she's poised and pragmatic and determined. This role could only be played with the maturity of a seasoned performer.
Victor Kalka's set might be simple in design, but boy does it create an atmosphere. From the deep red earth covered walls, to the dried stems of wheat that line the wooden coffin shaped stage, you always have this unsettling feeling that death is creeping/creaking beneath the characters feet.
Lighting designer Jasmin Borsovszky’s cleaver use of tones took us on a journey from the dancing shadows of campfire storytelling to that ethereal and other worldly where time ceased to matter. From the get-go Madeline Picard’s sound and composition helped immerse the audience into the scene. In the pitch black, sounds of the Scottish Highlands played and if I closed my eyes, I could almost feel the salty breeze hit my face, then there were the cries of the destressed cows that pierced through dialogue creating an unknown sickness balling in my stomach. All elements tied in perfectly right up until the startling end.
Grain in the Blood is a suspenseful study of human nature, that will leave the audience questioning their own moral and ethical stance.
events.humanitix.com/grain-in-the-blood/
Photos by Clare Hawley
