ANT: Psycho thriller lacks punch

With the world’s population predicted to reach 8.5 billion by 2030 and 11 billion by 2100, ANT takes a look at a possible albeit very scary future where insufficient space on the planet means two organisms are forced to inhabit one body.

ANT employs various stylistic and auditory devices to great use, creating a space where the surreal meets the plausible and insanity has become a side effect of society. The set and costumes, in stainless steel and shades of white and grey, transport us to an insane asylum, setting the mood for the decent into delirium. The horrifying future portrayed in ANT is a place where madness, chaos and dysfunction reign. However amid this frenetic dystopia, the characters themselves are sadly lacking in depth. Stereotypical and overdone, I struggled to connect with them, resulting in the pivotal moment failing to reach its full potential.

Ultimately a love story between a dentist and his patient, Ant begs the answers to questions such as, “What is love?” “How much can you reasonably love someone?” and “When does one cross the line between love and obsession?”
The storyline of this psychological thriller, is punctuated by moments of comedy which might be better utilised to further explore the darker parts of the human psyche and greater understanding of the characters and their motivations.

While its main characters remain two dimensional and overdone, ANT is nevertheless a well executed play and if you’re a fan of horror or surrealism, worth a watch.

ANT is on at the National Arts Festival until Monday 3rd July. Book here.