Directed and written by Ché Walker, Burnt Up love is an intimate play centred around redemption, rage and violence. Set in the inner city, the play explores the complex characters of Mac, Scratch and JayJayJay. The room is swallowed by dim lighting and harmonious jagged music played by Ruby Aspinall on the harp, composed by Uchenna Ngwe. As a shadow emerges, the audience stands still with the introduction of Mac, played by Ché Walker himself. After decades in prison, Mac has one objective and that is to find his daughter, Scratch. From then, I’m captivated and eager for there to be a resolution. Will he find her?
Scratch has become a victim of her circumstances, falling into the trap of the streets with no parental figures to guide her. She’s a spitfire, full of energy for crime and violence.
Joanne Marie Mason does a spectacular job with her portrayal of Scratch, from the constant fidgeting which shows Scratch’s paranoia, to the spunky dialogue that demonstrates her eagerness for trouble.
Then JayJayJay, another fiend for trouble, appears on stage and the two are immediately drawn to each other. The chemistry is undeniable. Their eyes speak thousands of words, and the dim lighting amplifies this. Alice Walker’s use of facial expression is incredible as it not only engages the audience, but it also creates moral alignment. It’s clear that despite her volatile past, she’s trying to change and wants the best for Scratch.
The play’s undeniable gritty edge does not stop the laughter that often fills the room through usage of colloquial language, characterisation and body language.
The ambience in the room is electrifying, heightened by the constant use of candles on the set.
There are moments where Scratch brings you to wit’s end. Her actions make it hard to root for her and leave you frustrated. It’s like she has lost her humanistic characteristics, and that’s heart breaking.
The poetic script shifts between monologues and dialogues, flowing seamlessly to highlight the essence of the story.
For instance, dialogue between JayJayJay and Scratch is smooth yet exhausting, building suspense in the room as we await moments of resolution or dissolution. Mac’s interactions with the girls are fascinating to watch as he either becomes pitiful or retreats to his unreformed self. He begins to adopt more of a fatherly touch as he attempts to get close to his daughter.
The drama continues to intensify towards the end, morality and empathy are constant themes which raise the question of whether people can escape their past.
Ché Walker’s smash hit dark 70 minute tale is running at Theatro Technis
26 March – 18 April 2026
3pm, 6:30pm and 7:30pm
Written by Jamine Kamgate ALT A REVIEW 2026 Journalism Internship support the fund HERE
