A 'rich treasury' inspired by the South West Coastal Path

REVIEW: 'Right of Way' at Exeter Phoenix

Those of us lucky enough to live within easy reach of the 630 mile South West Coastal Footpath appreciate what a remarkable asset it is. The huge variety of landscapes, the open spaces, the moods it can enhance from peace to exhilaration, are all parts of the often life-affirming mosaic if offers.

It is this very special space that has inspired writers and artists - most successfully recently Raynor Wynn and her Salt Path but also poet laureate Simon Armitage and the fascinating Katherine May whose book The Electricity of Every Living Thing tells how she walks the path while confronting her Aspergers Diagnosis.

Beth Bowden’s Right of Way adds to this rich treasury. Her piece, as with the other works, offers a deeply personal perspective of human connection with landscape.

Rooted in the covid crisis, ROW explores how she was confronted with the more bleak aspects of society as she realised how vulnerable her disabled mother had become in this radically changed landscape of social fear and injustice. Remember: six out of 10 who died from covid had disabilities. 

Her rightful anger at the situation - and her discussions with her mother, who had been a great walker until chronic illness intervened - were at the heart of her decision to start walking.

This is a deeply personal piece and as writer/performer/director, Bowden has put her heart and soul into it. Her writing, often lyrical and poetic, draws you in and what is personal for her becomes a valuable and valid shared experience.

The video design, often showing the wealth of variety along the path, and the human response to it, enhances the piece. For me, the inclusion of the text on screen is at times a distraction; it’s hard not to race ahead with the script or to focus on either the text or the performance. Also, the first time she puts on the walking boots is done off to the side of the stage - meaning this crucial, even iconic act could not be seen by everybody in the audience.

Exploring our connection with salt and water as well as with landscape is central to this piece and we are often presented with memorable and beautiful images on the arresting set.

Towards the end of this one hour piece, Bowden says: “Walking into a green landscape is like walking into nature’s medicine cabinet.” Yes. We have joined her on a journey from anger to joyful connection and the idea of walking as therapy rings loud and true.

'Right of Way' tours to Falmouth, Taunton, Beaford, Barnstaple and Bristol)