"Do not feed the trolls" theatre review

The programme introduced the new play Do not feed the trolls at the Macrobert youth Exchange drama festival like this:

"Inspired by our ability to revel in the misfortune of others, Do not feed the trolls is a provocative and darkly entertaining piece of theatre that celebrates those moments in life when you just can't help but crush the soul of your fellow human being."

Internet trolls are those who use the cloak of anonymity provided by the net to be abusive and bullying to others, often seeking to provoke and hurt just because they can and who derive pleasure from causing such suffering.

This was a lively, moving and often very funny play. It involved a contemporary exploration of morality in terms of how you should treat others. It revealed how the new types of relationships that can be formed through the Internet can destroy normal standards of behaviour. The play asked when is it OK to laugh at another persons misfortune. Why are the most popular videos on You tube of people falling over. How far is it legitimate to go in this sort of trolling/teasing /bullying in a group when you think you can all take it. The play explored the limits, revealing that everyone has a limit when they become vulnerable. Who defines the boundaries of behaviour in the contemporary world? Are there ever acceptable levels of cruelty?

The biggest bully in the play was the text projected on to the back of the stage which interacted with the characters as an anonymous author in a chat room.This was a scary individual that never revealed his/her identity - was it a member of the group or was it an anonymous stalker/groomer/pervert? He/she knew many details about the individuals and was able to confront them with all the things that they most wanted to hide about themselves. 

The play ended after a challenging climax of revenge with all but one of the characters laughing together at you tube videos on the Internet. Whilst they enjoyed the real life enjoyment of laughing together they ignored and became unaware of the irrelevant chat room voice trying to provoke a reaction by being more and more unpleasant in its challenges to them. 

As a piece of theatre lasting just over an hour it was outstanding. Well done to the Macrobert theatre groups and the students studying contemporary performance practice at the Royal conservatory of Scotland. And thank you to the National theatre of Scotland for promoting the festival.