Moss Meunier
When you’ve got nothing left to lose or you’ve already lost everything, there’s nothing left to do but be completely vulnerable. When Agnes gets her house broken into by a teenage girl, moments before attempting suicide, they find themselves in opposite worlds. Where one has nothing but everything to live for and the other has lost everything and has nothing to live for.
The themes of class, poverty and love are explored in a heartbreaking thirty-minute play, occurring in real time. Armed Robbery explores the selfishness and motivations behind suicide, how one can both be selfish and yet feel helpful in relieving someone of a burden. When Manni, the robber, arrives, ski mask and all, she sees perfectly packed boxes, Agnes even went to the trouble of emptying her pills into a separate bowl before sitting down to take them. A perfectly planned suicide to avoid impacting anyone more than necessary. Manni, on the other hand, a poor teenage mum, has everything to live for and sees only selfishness in Agnes’ actions. Motivated by fear of the police seeing her leave a dead woman’s house, they are forced into proximity, if only for a short while.
When Manni breaks into Agnes’ house, her balance is quickly thrown by Agnes’ surprisingly calm demeanour. Agnes does not fear Manni, why would she? She plans on dying either way. The power balance flips, with Agnes calm and steady, moving with the heavy steps of one who’s already given up and Manni skittish and afraid, throwing everything at the wall to get out of this situation,
Their forced proximity leads to a surprising understanding, as they briefly inhabit each other’s despair. Yet, the play resists offering easy resolutions or clear-cut redemption. As darkness falls, Manni leaves, retreating back to her difficult life, leaving Agnes with the same unresolved despair she began with.
The performances in Armed Robbery with Suicidal Intent are compelling, with the two actresses showcasing a powerful chemistry that draws the audience in from the first moment. The raw energy of the piece makes its brief duration feel both intense and fleeting, a testament to the strength of the writing and the performances. However, the play’s brevity leaves something to be desired; just as the tension reaches its peak, the story ends, leaving the conclusion feeling somewhat incomplete.
Raw, intense, and heartbreakingly brief – Armed Robbery with Suicidal Intent captivates with its potent exploration of vulnerability and despair but leaves you yearning for a more fulfilling resolution.
Recommended Drink: A Black Russian is the perfect drink. With its dark, brooding appearance and sharp, bold flavours, it mirrors the intense themes and emotional depth of the play. Just as the drink is a simple yet powerful blend of vodka and coffee liqueur, the play’s stripped-back approach packs a punch in a short time, leaving a lasting impression.
Catch Armed Robbery and Suicidal Intent between Aug 6-10, 12-20 at 21:25 at The Space @ Niddry Street studio. Tickets are available through the EdFringe Box Office.
Phoebe Bakker
Jake Mace
