Synopsis

A metaphysical liminal space, where grief and possibility collide in the aftermath of loss.

Caryl Churchill’s profound and surreal play explores the depths of grief and the tantalising allure of alternative futures. The story centers on Someone, a bereaved individual grappling with the loss of a loved one. As Someone monologues about missed opportunities and shared memories, their intense longing manifests a series of spectral visitors.

The first to appear is Future, a ghostly embodiment of a potential timeline that never came to be. This encounter spawns a cavalcade of Futures, each representing different “what if” scenarios and missed opportunities. Their competing voices create a cacophony of possibility and regret, overwhelming Someone. The arrival of Present brings a stark reminder of reality, while a Child Future offers a glimmer of hope and continuity.

Through its abstract structure and poetic language, Churchill delves into themes of loss, temporal perception, and the human desire to alter the past. The play’s fluid reality blurs the lines between memory, imagination, and the metaphysical, creating a haunting exploration of how we process grief and yearn for second chances. “What If If Only” ultimately confronts the audience with the bittersweet truth that while the past cannot be changed, the future remains unwritten.