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Royal Court, LondonEverything here is plot as Al Smith’s play speeds over many huge issues with little time to register their impactIn Al Smith’s ambitious and cynical new play, everybody has a price and kindness is only ever part of a deal.At the centre of Rare Earth Mettle is the huge expanse of lithium under the Bolivian salt flats where Kimsa (Carlo Albán) lives with his sick daughter. Bartering for the land is a billionaire CEO played by Arthur Darvill. The play caused controversy before it reached the stage when the original naming of Darvill’s character, as Hershel Fink, was criticised for perpetuating antisemitic stereotypes. More investigation needs to be done but the theatre has apologised for “unconscious bias” and the name of the character – who is not Jewish – has been changed to Henry Finn.Rare Earth Mettle is at the Royal Court, London until 18 December. Continue reading...