Writer and Director: Esalan Gates
Pop Goes the Dollar is a fabulously entertaining and cleverly staged exposé of the decisions behind the 2008 financial crash, one of the most complicated economic catastrophes of all time, with a universally devastating aftermath.
Although they can appreciate the social impact, most people do not understand the technical intricacies of the crisis. Pop Goes the Dollar attempts to change this, providing insight into the conversations of those trying to piece together the systems as they collapsed.
The story that Codex Theatre decides to tell is that of Tim Geithner, President of the New York Fed, as he battles family life with impossible decisions of which American big bank to bail out as the markets plummet and the American people’s pensions, mortgages, and life savings disappear.
The trio of actors tackle Esalan Gates’ script with finesse. Displaying a strong rapport, they fire dialogue and execute slick transitions to maintain a fast pace that is crucial in creating the intensity of the Wall Street setting. Their effective multi-roling, despite minimal costume changes, proves the actors’ proficient vocal and physical skills. Xavier Atkins does this particularly well, quick to switch between reporter, banker, and White House treasurer, with a performative contrast that brings well-needed humour amidst the spiralling financial reality.
Helping land the complex topic, Gates stages her writing imaginatively. The bankers write notes on the paper backdrop of the stage, only to gradually rip it away to reveal a wall of newspaper clippings reporting on the worsening situation. Overflowing office bins and movement sequences of frantic typing and filing further build the crumbling world of Wall Street. And the audience is glad to be there only for one evening.
Yet, there is potential for some of these theatrical devices to be refined. For example, could the notes written on the back wall have some order to them that could more clearly document the series of events and help the audience better follow the details?
Overall, Pop Goes the Dollar is successful in what it sets out to be: an accessible and theatrical economic history lesson. Regardless of financial expertise, you will leave the theatre with an enhanced appreciation of the intensity behind the 2008 crash, and the real people who were central in dealing with it at the highest Wall Street level. Gates does allude to the fact that the system, although exposed to be broken in 2008, was not fixed. This could be expanded on in order to better hold up a mirror up to today, and provide an even more impactful hour of economic art.
Runs until 24 August 2025
Camden Fringe runs until 24 August 2025
The Reviews Hub Star Rating
90%
Intense economic theatre