A dark and disturbing thriller about siblings accused of a crime, Philip Stokes’ This Is Not America is a challenging psychological drama with an exceptional central performance.
Perhaps named for the David Bowie song of the same name, which offers a critical commentary on the American dream and political corruption, writer-director Stokes’ play This Is Not America draws on imagery and narratives around fame, MAGA and the manosphere to create a haunting piece that is never quite what it seems.
Actor Jack Stokes gives an absolutely riveting performance as identical triplets Cassius, Rocco and Sal, who have been taken in for questioning after a grisly murder. Each of the three is clearly defined, with a voice and physicality all their own, with Stokes expertly switching between the roles with disconcerting ease.
Despite the strength of Stokes’ performance, the play itself begins to go off the rails somewhat towards the end. It is clear what has happened, but not what the piece is trying to say, or what the audience should take away from it. There is so much depth and examination of America’s ills in the earlier part of the production, it is frustrating not to have a stronger denouement.
Taught and disturbing, This Is Not America may well have the best performance by an actor you will see this Fringe, however the narrative itself could benefit from further clarity and a stronger point of view as it draws to its bold finale.
By Deborah Klayman
This Is Not America plays at Pleasance Courtyard, Edinburgh until August 31st 2026.
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