If one person goes missing in Britain every two minutes, why do we not care?
A simple enough message, but when combined with our societal discourses of gender, age, social and economic background to name but a few MISSING by the Engineer Theatre does not shy from pulling punches.
The performance opens in a paparazzi frenzy, a poster of Madeline McCann held aloft; almost elevated to God Like status. This is quickly contrasted with the case of Luke, a teenage boy, who disappeared following a night out and this time not a camera in sight! The show then shifts back into 1957, to explore the still unsolved case of Moria Anderson and jumps forward again to the mid 90s and latterly to present day.
The performance's time shifting - back and forth through each unique case - lays bear the discrepancies in Police, Media and Societal responses to such an important topic. The Audience is invited to challenge their assumptions.
Who is responsible for finding Missing people? Is it the Police, Social Services, Family, Friends or the Media? Difficult questions are asked throughout and in the case of Luke - explored through the experience of his Mum, Sister and Two Friends, we are left to consider is there an institutional hierarchy at play concerning how the Police respond or the Media get "their" story?
In another case, the Police perspective is relayed, taken from the point of view of a desk bound Officer, struggling under his case load, lacking effective resources and constantly fighting the edge of time. Is it ever going to be realistic to find these people?
The story of MISSING is not something you would traditionally associate with the fight for equality, against discrimination or for human rights. However, this in itself is also an assumption - a stereotype - that perhaps explains why Society has let this issue slip from the public consciousness.
MISSING shines light into that darkened, cobwebbed area of a topic hitherto unexplored. If you are interested in equality or human rights themes or even just a story that captivates without a pin dropping on the floor - see the show.
MISSING is on at the Underbelly at 8.05 in the Cowgate. You can buy tickets, or find out more from the Fringe Box Office by clicking here.
To find out more about the show's company, Engineer Theatre, click here.
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