Woodstock 99, an attempt to recreate the magic of the original 1969 festival celebrating peace and love, represented hope and optimism that fell remarkably flat due to a slew of issues including poor sanitation, rampant commercialism, overpriced food and water, violent riots, and sexual assaults. This misplaced optimism in the festival is depicted in Out of Woodstock from Tom Foreman which tells the story of angry young man falling into a pit substance-fuelled anguish at the chaotic music festival.
Timed on the 25th anniversary of the festival, Out of Woodstock explores the swarms of young music lovers that headed to the festival in the hope of seeing artists such as Metallica, Jamiroquai and Limp Bizkit. Fresh from a break-up our protagonist (Max Beken) seeks to lose himself in music, excess and the good vibes. However, as expectations of the festival fail to meet reality, he spirals down routes of hedonistic substance abuse, misogyny, and violence.
Foreman’s writing is vivid and humorous with an impressive elegance that captures characters with a biting honesty. Initially exploring the joy and optimism of the festival in the opening moments of Out of Woodstock, yet gradually depicting hints of the chaos and unease about to unfold, creating a simmering tension that holds us in a vice-like grip throughout.
Max Beken’s protagonist packs the entitlement of an angry young man, who feels wronged and subsequently owed by society. A boiling melting pot of chaotic emotions – furthered fuelled by adrenaline, substances, and male bravado – makes way for increasing spiralling behaviour. With a chip-on-his-shoulder due to his girlfriend’s infidelity, Beken captures the bizarre limbo faced as he searches for a place of belonging and sense of fulfilment – something truly misplaced as he chaotically navigates the pandemonium of the ’99 festival.
Foreman impressively alludes to worrying lack of progress in attitudes and behaviours over the twenty-five years since the festival – utilising audio footage of misogynistic quotes from terrors including Donald Trump and Andrew Tate. How far have we come from the sexual assaults, violence and chaotic madness from the excesses of Woodstock 99?
The narrative world depicted in Out of Woodstock is expanded through effective creative techniques – including the use of audio recordings. Performances from Woodstock 99 are embedded, with Beken responding to these in a delightfully immersive style, whilst audio recordings of other characters utilised expand the narrative scope to an impressive degree.
Beken’s physical performance skills should be commended – embodying the energy of the Woodstock 99 performers and depicting an impressive physicality in the brash protagonist. The young star fills the large space with a confident, impressively complex and layered performance – bringing to life Foreman’s creation with a conflicting realism. Effective use of lighting creates a stirring and lively festival atmosphere, capturing recreations of the bold stage moments to the colourful pulsing chaos of the rave tents.
Out of Woodstock is thrilling and compelling new writing, perfectly executed by Foreman and Beken. Foreman takes the chaotic unease of Woodstock 99 and creates a dazzling period psychodrama, leaving much for a contemporary audience to reflect upon in our own society.
Tickets to Out of Woodstock are available here.