A Letter To Lyndon B Johnson or God: Whoever Reads This First

Xhloe and Natasha - Soho Theatre

A high energy, physical theatre, double act! This show covers hard hitting themes within a mix of comedy... Not the clearest storyline.

A short 60 - minute show set in America in the 1960s and is based on boyhood. It compares US soldiers that were drafted during the Vietnam war and American Boy Scouts. The two play best friends on a journey together, flicking from a warzone to camp activities. They bond over their love and devotion to the president Lyndon B Johnson. As the piece goes on it is clear the aim of the characters is to prove what 'strong men' they have grown into. The transition between scenes and the storyline is not the clearest. Whilst a lot of passion, energy and characterisation has gone into presenting the story; the plot is lost in the speed and unclear transitions. The ending makes you question what exactly has happened.

Xhloe and Natasha show a great ability of working in unison and showing the content of their piece through their bodies. The set is just a tyre that is used to symbolise many items such as: a campfire, bed, obstacles and so much more. The way they navigate their piece through this one item is interesting, but confusing at times. Their on stage friendship shows the childish nature of the boy scouts, shows how it shaped them into men, through chants, skills and hand signs performed in unison. The unison also reminds the audience of soldiers, how they are trained to follow the same rules, standards, and in a way all have the same identity. Also, through the repetition of their love and devotion to their country and their president. A connection with the audience is lost, as their characters aren't exactly clear, the speed of the delivery and confusion makes the sad ending less impactful. Comedy is also lost through the speed.

Design elements give an idea of the plot, such as the two wear army metal dog tags. This reminds you of soldiers. They also wear blue knee length shorts, a shirt, scout scarves and a sash with badges sewed on. Covering their bodies is brown make up that mimics mud marks all over and they have two red circles on their cheeks. The outfits highlight the Boy Scout uniform, with elements of soldiers and this adds to the story. The set being just a tyre does not feel related to the themes or story, there is no reference to it and it is used to show other items. However, it does highlight the boyhood element, how young boys are imaginative and find trivial items exciting. The use whilst clever, does not feel related to the story and does not help to make the plot clear. Harmonicas are used to play tunes, background noise and create emotion. This is another use that does not make sense or feel related to the story.

If you did not read what the show was going to be about before watching it would not be clear, whilst the high energy and enchanting on stage relationship are amusing, it does not carry the show. It's also difficult to connect with the characters due to the lack of clarity. Xhloe and Natasha have potential, a high set of acting skills and with a clear character story and arc this could be a lot stronger! The themes are important and hard hitting, the scene transitions and aim of the show needs clarity. Great energy, some interesting, eye-catching choreography/movement sections and quick comedy.