Darkling Review: Stranger Things Actor Stars in Bhopal Disaster Play

The play "Darkling," written by Titas Halder, features a coming-of-age monologue performed by Linnea Berthelsen, an actor recognized for her role as Kali in the Netflix series "Stranger Things." Berthelsen makes her United Kingdom stage debut in this production, which is set against the devastating backdrop of the 1984 Bhopal toxic gas leak in India. This environmental catastrophe is widely considered one of the most severe industrial disasters in global history, resulting in thousands of fatalities and long-term health consequences for survivors. The narrative follows a young girl's journey through her formative years, juxtaposing her innocent experiences with the unfolding horror of the disaster.

Berthelsen delivers a tightly wound and physical performance, embodying the character's transition from childlike wonder to a confrontation with tragedy. Her portrayal includes scenes of early childhood, such as playing in the rain and enjoying simple meals of plain rice, alongside her admiration for her older sister. The performance takes place on a stage designed by Simon Kenny, which is artfully filled with soil, creating a symbolic environment that reflects the play's themes of environmental impact and human resilience. The ominous atmosphere of "Darkling" is a central element, underscoring the gravity of the historical event that serves as the play's thematic anchor.

The Bhopal disaster, which occurred on the night of December 2-3, 1984, involved a leak of methyl isocyanate (MIC) gas from the Union Carbide India Limited pesticide plant. The immediate aftermath saw widespread death and injury, with official figures varying but often cited in the thousands killed and hundreds of thousands exposed to the toxic fumes. The long-term effects have included chronic illnesses, birth defects, and ongoing environmental contamination in the affected areas. The play "Darkling" aims to explore the human impact of such a large-scale industrial failure through a personal, narrative lens, focusing on the experiences of individuals caught within the disaster's orbit. The Bush Theatre in London is hosting the production, marking a significant platform for Halder's work and Berthelsen's theatrical venture.