Opening with a crime scene investigation, History of Violence drops the audience straight into the aftermath of a violent assault. Based on an autobiographical novel by Édouard Louis, the narrative tells the story of a Christmas Eve encounter with a stranger in the streets of Paris that suddenly becomes dangerous.
Amongst the forensic team examining the crime scene, Édouard is frantically cleaning and trying to rid himself of the smell and thoughts of Reda, his attacker. The visuals were fascinating – close up details of the fingerprint dusting projected in grainy black and white on the rear screen. A musician with a drum kit and synthesizer gives a soundtrack to the action, with a crescendo of noise, falling away to a gentle tune.
While Édouard describes the assault, another actor cleans himself furiously in the shower. The sense of confusion, anger and disgust is palpable. Eventually, the forensic team leave and Édouard is left worried that his attacker may return. He decides to spend some time with his sister and her husband in the countryside.
This trip doesn’t help the situation. He overhears them discussing the case and feels as though they blame him for the attack. Despite their “acceptance” of his lifestyle, they clearly have prejudices that cloud their opinions. When he describes his attacker as North Africa, the police nod their heads in agreement.
What follows in the play are montages of his dealings with the hospital and police following the incident. The misunderstandings, assumptions and attitudes shape the narrative, with Édouard starting to question his own memories of the incident.
Eventually we have a flashback to Christmas evening and the meeting in the lonely Parisian street. The stranger Reda is charming and persuasive and finally convinces Édouard to invite him into his room. It all starts wonderfully, with a shared affection. The moment turns nasty when Édouard loses his phone and Reda becomes violent.
The cast members Christoph Gawenda, Laurenz Laufenberg, Renato Schuch, Alina Stiegler, Thomas Witte (Musician) are all convincing in their various roles. The play is in German, with English surtitles, but easy to follow.
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