Even though it’s only February, Canned Goods at Southwark Playhouse has probably already got the (imaginary) award for Most Disturbing Play of 2025 in the, ahem, can.
Canned Goods is a gripping drama that delves into one of World War II’s most obscure yet pivotal moments: the Nazi operation ‘Grandmother Died’, where German forces staged an attack on their own radio station at the German/Polish border to justify invading Poland. The play is a thought-provoking exploration of propaganda, power dynamics, and human resilience in the face of unimaginable cruelty.
The story unfolds primarily within a claustrophobic prison cell where three war prisoners, each from different walks of life, are held captive by an SS Major. As they await their fate, they share monologues about their pasts, revealing complex characters caught in the vortex of war. One prisoner stands out as morally unshakeable, a Catholic farmer named Franciszek Honiok who forms an unlikely bond with his Jewish fellow inmate.
As these narratives intertwine with historical events leading up to Hitler’s invasion of Poland on September 1st, 1939, Canned Goods becomes an examination of how deception can shape reality and manipulate public opinion.
The cast delivers performances that are hauntingly powerful and emotionally nuanced: no canned responses here! Dan Parr shines as SS Major Naujocks; his presence exudes menace while maintaining enough complexity to keep his character intriguingly multifaceted. Rowan Polonski brings depth to his portrayal as Kruger, a character whose abrasive demeanor hides layers beneath.
Charlotte Cohn’s direction captures the oppressive atmosphere necessary for such themes but sometimes struggles with pacing issues; it feels like trying to open a stubborn tin can without a proper opener! The staging around a central stage creates intimacy but also occasionally leads to slight disorientation regarding time progression among scenes.
Without spoiling the ending, the last five minutes – involving a monologue from the SS Major – will leave you utterly horrified. It’s one of the nastiest, most visceral, shocking speeches you’ll hear on the London stage. Indeed, the theatre has content warnings pasted on several walls and signposts audience members towards sources of help if they are affected by the content.
Canned Goods delivers a powerful punch by offering compelling insight into humanity under duress. It highlights the dangers of unchecked power and serves as a timely warning against truth manipulation – a theme all too relevant in modern times.