The Effect

Original title The Effect
Première 10. februar 2021, Mala Drama
The first Slovenian performance
Running time 2 hours. No intermission.

Director Eva Nina Lampič
Translator Tina Mahkota
Dramaturg Eva Kraševec
Set designer Jasna Vastl
Costume designer Gordana Bobojević
Composer Aleš Zorec
Video Dani Modrej
Language consultant Klasja Kovačič
Lighting designer Vlado Glavan

Cast
Dr. Lorna James Polona Juh
Dr. Toby Sealey Rok Vihar
Connie Hall Eva Jesenovec
Tristan Frey Klemen Janežič

In The Effect, Lucy Prebble explores pharmaceutical practices and places the events at a clinic where new antidepressants are being tested under the microscope. Inspired by a failed experiment by the American corporation Parexel in one of London’s hospitals that took place while they were testing another drug, the play deals with real facts and, by skilfully presenting different perspectives and points of view, raises many questions about the effects of drugs on people and the functioning of the human brain and emotions in general. The first Slovenian production of The Effect draws the spectator’s attention with its film narration and medical precision through a clinical study, in which we monitor the weekly dosing of a psychiatric drug that is supposed to alleviate the symptoms of depression. Doctors Lorna James and Toby Sealey follow the effects of the drug on two volunteers – Connie Hall, a psychology student, who participates in the study out of a desire to learn more about the field, and Tristan Frey, a free thinker, who often participates in clinical studies to earn some money. During the study, unexpectedly, a love story unfolds between Tristan and Connie, torn between the drug’s alleged effects and their subjective feelings. At the same time, we can follow an expert debate between the doctors on this extremely exciting and ambiguous topic, revealing a unique connection between them.