855-FOR-TRUTH at the Hope Theatre review

History has been marked by long-standing conflict between science and religion. The two have often been seen as incompatible, operating on different planes of logic and denying the other’s existence. Eva Hudson’s philosophical drama, 855-FOR-TRUTH, explores the boundaries between science and faith and what happens when they unite with a common truth – a fervent belief that the world is going to end.

In a pine forest in Utah, aspiring young climate activist Isaac (Max Raphael) comes across Meredith(Molly Hanly), born and raised in a religious cult deep in the woods. Meredith is initially suspicious and afraid of ‘unclean’ Isaac, who in turn is struck by the vulnerability of her sheltered existence.

855-FOR-TRUTH at The Hope Theatre.

Meredith, indoctrinated and unaware of the outside world, has snuck away from the community to collect pine sap to heal her younger sister – guided by her belief that sometimes you have to do bad to do good. Isaac has set up camp in the woods to collect data on the trees for a professor who believes they hold the key to understanding the climate crisis.

Meredith and Isaac have polarised world views, but their desire for connection pushes them together.Hudson’s script is both a tender story of young love and an existential reflection on the influences of our inherited knowledge and beliefs. Whilst Isaac is Meredith’s conduit to a forbidden world of Bruce Springsteen songs and colourful candy, in turn he is blindsided by the power of her convictions and his own crippling climate anxiety.

855-FOR-TRUTH at The Hope Theatre.

It is an ambitious production for the small stage of the Hope Theatre, but Lydia McKinley’s direction makes masterful use of the space. We are immersed in Isaac’s and Meredith’s world, privy to their most intimate moments and swept up into the urgency of their end of the world countdown. RhiBinnington’s pine-scented set becomes a character in its own right, with its ethereal tree trunks becoming the focus point that binds Isaac and Meredith together.

The chemistry between the two characters is undeniable. Both Max Raphael and Molly Hanly give strong performances, but it is the warmth and humour that Hanly brings to the writing that gives the play its heart. Meredith is torn between her desire to be ‘morally upright’ and an innate, child-likecuriosity that tests the limits of her faith and brings her into Isaac’s arms.

855-FOR-TRUTH at The Hope Theatre.

Whilst the first half is a punchy 45 minutes, 855-FOR-TRUTH falls guilty of trying to do too much. In the second half Isaac and Meredith become increasingly frenzied, creating their own religious order to try and make sense of what’s going on around them. Potentially poignant plot points including Meredith’s sudden marriage to a much older member of the community are passed over quickly, and the heady pace of the drama means we lose sight of the tender relationship which the opening scenes established so beautifully.

Despite its slightly clumsy composition, 855-FOR-TRUTH is ultimately a compelling production that raises important philosophical and moral questions. Eva Hudon’s writing is powerful, tender and poetic, and it is impossible not to be drawn into the intimate world of her characters.

885-FOR-TRUTH is showing at the Hope Theatre, Islington, until 22nd February. Find out more and book tickets here.

Review by Ellen Hodgetts