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Fringe 2005 Reviews (39)
Forbidden
Written, directed and produced by Tom Papitto
Theatre of the Insane
Holyrood Tavern
No stars
This show's teaser claims "No show hits harder than the socially
blasphemous Forbidden." Well, yes and no.
Forbidden has the questionable distinction of being the worst,
vilest thing ever to be staged in any venue - anywhere. This production
begs the question, shouldn't there be some sort of minimum standard
that must be met? And not just at Holyrood, not just on the Fringe.
In my considerable history in the theatre, this product combines the
worst of everything I have experienced or could imagine exsisting -
and surpasses it.
Artistically, Forbidden has no merit. It is so badly conceived
and written, acted, directed, and produced that I'm embarrassed for
those who are attached to it and participate in it. I am amazed that
it managed to get this far.
Although there is no plot to be found anywhere, it espouses, promulgates
- no, spews its bile for shock value only. Sure, we have all heard our
share of "dirty" words applied to sex (nothing new here),
and the illogical defense for sexism and bigotry, and the total lack
of humanity we assign to criminally insane; but not all in one place,
in so short a period of time, and with nothing else to support or defend
its existance; worst, promoting itself as theatre. This is not theatre.
This is not art.
Shame on everyone involved in this project. It speaks badly of the
Holyrood Tavern for allowing this production to continue.
Catherine Lamm
Goblin Market
Youth Music Theatre
George Square Theatre
****
The chair of Youth Music Theatre:UK says their aim “is all about
providing rewarding experiences for young people”. What could be
more rewarding for them than Goblin Market, a musical treat Youth
Music Theatre:UK have brought to Edinburgh.
Goblin Market tells the story of two young sisters, Laura and
Lizzie, who are tempted with deadly forbidden fruit by Goblins who dwell
in the nearby forest. A story that is based on a poem first published
back in 1862 by Victorian poet Cristina Rossetti. Goblin does
have an air of Brothers Grimm about it but has its own unique charm,
wit and a dark haunting style.
Conor Mitchell delivers a great score played with great power by a
nine-piece orchestra. His score at times did remind me of the music
of Stephen Swartz, not least by its stand out song being Day by Day.
However it is a score that, along with the book and lyrics by Kath Burlinson,
compliments a great fairytale.
Within a large young cast (so young you won't believe!) is an outstanding
performance from Tara Wilcox (Laura). She is superb as the weak-minded
sister tempted by the goblins. She wows with a voice that could rival
any top female West End star and has the presence to match. Her great
performance is well supported by a strong voiced energetic cast.
The choreography by director Kath Burlinson was basic and at times
looked very cramped. This is caused by the insistence of using the full
ensemble to fill the stage in all the chorus numbers, thus making them
fight for space rather than them dancing and moving with freedom.
Goblin Market is a good example that there is great musical
theatre shows waiting to be discovered, rather than the current trend
of using a pop stars' back catalogues of songs wrapped in a weak plot!
This is a lovely musical fairytale - let's hope more people discover
it!
Wayne Miller
Yin-Yang
Mu Mu Productions
George Square Theatre
*****
Being a huge Martial Arts fan I knew Yin-Yang was a must see show for
me. The show makes a lot of promises such “Yin-Yang includes Korean
Martial Arts Grand Masters!” and “ breathe taking techniques”.
My expectations where high, so high I prayed they did not disappoint.
My lord, they did so not disappoint me!
Mu Mu Productions was founded by artistic director Woo Jae-Hyeon, the
director of Yin-Yang. He is also the prinipal dancer with the
Korean National Dance Company. On there first visit to Europe Mu Mu
Productions have brought a piece filled with dance, spiritualism, beautiful
art work, martial arts and death defying stunts featuring six women
a four men.
We are taken on a ride with so much going on you must see it to believe
it. This ride had a full audience on the edge of their seats, their
hearts where pounding, their mouths were open and at points their hearts
where stopping. It features more beautiful balletic action than any
Martial Arts movie you’ll ever see.
Yin-Yang was more than I could have hoped for, I left with my
heart still pounding and on top of the world. This show is simply a
beautiful jaw-dropping spectacle, I beg every person to go see it now!
Wayne Miller
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