The Cardboard Knight - Dreamline Theatre Company

What keeps us going when the future is uncertain? How do we deal, both together and separately, with heartache, pain, and loss? When is dreaming necessary, and when is it ultimately destructive to a group?

“Cardboard Knight” explores these themes, spreading them like a crumb trail through this 55-minute exploration of post-war survival. An unnamed war in an unspecified land puts four survivors, the bitter Ms. Sterling (Amelia Trollinger), the upbeat and pregnant Amelia (Astra-Lia England), the intellectual and foppish Ferdinand (Mason Hoyt), and the broken Corporal Harlow (Nat Weber) in a bitter waiting game in a broken-down factory, trying to hold out until nighttime when they can travel.

The group has been traveling together for some time, long enough to be protective, kind, and annoyed by each other. When teenage Simone (Mikayla Gandara) enters their space, knife in hand, the group must decide whether to let her in or to send her away on her own, most likely to die. Their decision starts the clock on a journey of discovery and decisions as they try to decide what to do next and with whom.

There's a lot to love about this play. The set is simple but effective, accurately portraying a broken-down factory space. The soundtrack is sparse and menacing, with great use of sound effects, natural sounds, and singing. The script weaves the story throughout the play rather than info-dumping everything initially. The performances are high-quality, with the optimistic Amelia and the oblivious-but-kind Ferdinand being two standouts.

The piece could have been strengthened by including a few more immediate problems. There was a disconnect at times between the war's urgency and the conversations' relaxed tone. Additionally, after the first major choice, the characters don't have many other decisions; therefore, the author misses opportunities for depth and complexity. More specific and dynamic character choices could have driven the plot home more immediately and engagingly.

It's a great show and well worth anyone’s time. A sudden loud noise about halfway through the play may be distressing to those with neurodivergence issues. Don't sleep on “The Cardboard Knight”; it's a "knight" to follow.