Theatre review: harrowing history in Chickenshed’s The Washing Line
April 14, 2025
The Washing Line cast members (c) Chickenshed
Leona Frater reviews tragic story depicting the Jonestown massacre
If you are seeking a show with a touching and powerful storyline, Chickenshed’s Washing Line is one to add the list. Based on the sad events of the 1978 Jonestown massacre, this production explores themes of tragedy, manipulation, control, mass death and human vulnerability. It delivers its narrative in multiple media formats that keep the audience immersed in the unfolding story.
The massacre in Jonestown, Guyana, led by Reverend Jim Jones, saw over 900 civilians (including children) die in a mass poisoning. It remained the largest mass suicide in history and Chickenshed don’t shy away from portraying its full weight. Directors, Michael Bossisse and Bethany Hamlin developed The Washing Line in their foundation degree final year production, transforming a harrowing historical moment into a compelling piece of theatre.
The distressing themes are necessary to fully educate and evoke empathy from the audience
From the moment the audience enter, they are thrust into the heart of the tragedy – a first-hand perspective of how it painfully ended. Bodies were scattered throughout the hall, evoking a chilling aftermath. This stark beginning sets a tone of realism and sorrow, leaving the story with no pretence.
Despite the sombre themes, there are moments of joy, unity and bravery within the community. Jim Jones, played by Jonny Morton, depicts the balance of the character exceptionally – capturing the duality of the man’s charisma and sinister authority. The group scenes were equally compelling, reflecting the community’s emotional highs and lows throughout the story. This was executed through expressive songs, choreography and dialogue, all tailored to perfectly fit the narrative and the storytelling. It truly is a group accomplishment to keep the audience both educated and entertained.
All in all, Chickenshed successfully capture the catastrophic events of the Jonestown massacre. The distressing themes are necessary to fully educate and evoke empathy from the audience. The entire creative team – actors, singers, dancers, choreographers, and all the production team deserve huge praise for delivering a devastating historic event into a meaningful piece of art.
