Counter Culture

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Draining the Swamp is a new play by D. R. Hill that explores the life and politics of Sir Oswald Mosley, the leader of the British Union of Fascists in the 1930s, and his wife Lady Diana Mosley, a socialite and Nazi sympathiser. The play examines their motivations, actions and legacy, and draws comparisons with modern-day populist leaders. 

“Draining The Swamp” fearlessly confronts the dark underbelly of Oswald Mosley’s ideology, unflinchingly depicting the extreme anti-Semitism and propensity for violence among some of his supporters. The play doesn’t shy away from showcasing the disturbing aspects of Mosley’s movement, shedding light on the hatred that fuelled certain factions of his followers. This portrayal doesn’t sugar-coat the harsh realities of the time, emphasizing the alarming consequences of unchecked extremism.

Importantly, the play acknowledges the inconsistency within Mosley’s own views on anti-Semitism. While he championed unity and support for the common man, his ambivalence and contradictions regarding the Jewish population are laid bare. This duality in Mosley’s character adds depth to his portrayal, showing that even a charismatic leader can be riddled with complexities and internal conflicts.

In the midst of depicting the dark aspects of Mosley’s movement, the play manages to weave in moments of reflection that delve into the motivations behind these disturbing beliefs. This exploration challenges the audience to grapple with the origins of such hate and violence and raises pertinent questions about the responsibility of leadership in fostering or combating these sentiments.

The play delves into Mosley’s charisma and his ability to captivate audiences with his anti-war sentiments, his dreams of a united Europe, and his support for the common man. This portrayal of his appeal is complemented by his emphasis on action over the perceived ineffectiveness of establishment politicians. The play underscores the fact that Mosley was not a one-dimensional figure, and it highlights the strength of the women who were a part of his life.

The play also touches on the theme of censorship and the challenges Mosley faced with media manipulation during his time. Interestingly, the dialogue about communication without censorship raises questions about how modern technology could have impacted Mosley’s ambitions if available in his era. It’s intriguing to speculate whether he would have achieved his goals with the ability to communicate freely.

The cast, under the direction of John Smith, handles these sensitive and challenging themes with skill and sensitivity. Rowland D Hill’s portrayal of Mosley captures his charisma while not shying away from the flaws that ultimately marred his legacy. Tina Thomas’s depiction of Lady Diana Mosley resonates with the complexity of a woman who passionately supported her husband while possessing her own agency.

Lady Diana Mosley, portrayed by Tina Thomas, is depicted as a woman with unwavering loyalty to her husband, yet possessing her own strength and independence. Georgina Winters’ portrayal of Cimmie Mosley adds another layer of complexity to the narrative, highlighting the deep connections that influenced Mosley’s choices.

Furthermore, the ensemble cast successfully navigates the intricate relationships between characters and brings to life the emotional undercurrents that define the play’s narrative. Georgina Winters’ portrayal of Cimmie Mosley and other characters contributes to the richness of the storytelling, showcasing the multiple perspectives that shaped Mosley’s life.

While the play does offer an incisive exploration of the rise of fascism and its extremist elements, it remains a balanced narrative that encompasses the broader societal and political context. By depicting Mosley’s inconsistency and the internal conflicts within his movement, the play fosters a nuanced understanding of history that is often overlooked.

“Draining The Swamp” is a thought-provoking and challenging play that confronts the dark side of history while still capturing the complexities of the figures it portrays. The portrayal of extreme anti-Semitism, violence, and Mosley’s inconsistencies serves as a reminder of the dangers of authoritarian ideologies. Despite some narrative unevenness in its conclusion, the play remains a thought-provoking exploration of a controversial historical figure presenting a reasonably well-rounded narrative which encourages audiences to engage critically with history and its implications for contemporary society.

Reviewed by Pat Harrington

Venue21C ARTS | C venues | C aquila – temple

• 18:30
•  Aug 20-27
• 1 hour 10 minutes
• Suitability: 14+ (Guideline)
• Country: United Kingdom – England
• Group: The Company
• Warnings and additional info: Contains distressing themes, Mature themes