Overwhelming

Genre: Drama
Opened 17 May 2006
Written: by JT Rogers
Directed: Max Stafford-Clark
Produced: National Theatre in association with Out of Joint
Cast: Matthew Marsh , Andrew Garfield, Tanya Moodie, William Armstrong , Nick Fletcher, Jude Akuwudike, Chipo Chung, Danny Sapani, Babou Ceesay, Adura Onashile, Lucian Msamati
Synopsis: Seizing the opportunity to research a book, Jack Exley uproots his family from Illinois to Rwanda in early 1994. Alarmingly out of depth, Jack begins a fervent search for his dear and missing friend while his wife and teenage son find trouble of their own. As Jack involves himself in the local politics, he discovers a pattern of brutality and beliefs that jeopardizes the lives of everyone around him.

What the critics had to say.....
NICHOLAS DE JONGH for THE EVENING STANDARD says, "Deftly effective and powerfully acted production...The Overwhelming gives political theatre serious allure." MICHAEL BILLINGTON for THE GUARDIAN says, "What the play has to say is important; but Rogers's dramatic technique is spasmodically flawed....The technical shortcomings are camouflaged by the speed and clarity of Max Stafford-Clark's Cottesloe production." JEREMY AUSTIN for THE STAGE says, "Powerful and evocative...A brilliant and horrifying evening's theatre." CHARLES SPENCER for THE DAILY TELEGRAPH says, "Best new play I've seen this year...one of the most entertaining. The drama has both comic and thriller-like elements, and something of the atmosphere of a Graham Greene novel." BENEDICT NIGHTINGALE for THE TIMES says, "Absorbing, uneven."

External links to full reviews from popular press
The Guardian
Daily Telegraph
The Times