|
Fringe 2011 Reviews (50)
Recursion
Written and directed by Patrick Robertson
Olsson Theatre
C soco
*****
Recursion examines how the mind adapts to trauma, be it physical
or emotional. It is a look into the concept of what makes us who we
are; all the events of our lives combine to get us to where and what
we are at any given moment.
A man, Patient, suffering from amnesia and in hospital, is trying to
discover who he is. He feels that something bad has happened that has
got him here. His self-prescribed therapy is playwriting. He doesn’t
know why he writes the characters, relationships and story that he does
but is compelled to
The doctor and another patient aid him, as do the characters that he
writes. His memory is not lost, it’s just locked away waiting for
him to break down the wall around it.
Starkly written, acted and directed, this company holds our attention
even though the structure strives for balance. This seems to be the
year of the psychological play (Donna Disco, Perffect,
Still Life). This subject would normally be out of the reach
of artists so young. The direction feels a little self-conscious in
the beginning. There’s an almost Brechtian quality in that we are
not allowed a sentimental judgment. Robertson wants us to examine the
logic, the details, rather than the emotional impact and reaction. What
are we if not the sum of all of our life?
Recursion defines Fringe theatre. Done with loads of talent
and small budget, it merely suggests an environment which the big boys,
once this moves into a professional venue, will fully flesh out but
hopefully not loose its juice.
Catherine Lamm
Circus of the Orient
Meadows Theatre Bigtop
***
Circus of the Orient has most of the trappings of an old fashioned
circus; it’s done under a tent with popcorn sold at the concession
stand. Great for young children with all of the slapstick, jumping,
tumbling, and high wire. This is good, simple fun and excitement for
even the youngest of families.
Catherine Lamm
Allotment
By Jules Horne
Nutshell
Assembly Inverleith
****
Director Kate Nelson was compelled to seek out the Assembly for support
for this project which takes place in her own allotment on the west
side of the Botanical Gardens.
Maddy and Dora are sisters who lived together and shared a garden allotment.
Their days and lives evolved and unfolded in the gardening. Theirs was
a symbiotic relationship. Maddy is slow – or maybe just socially
unschooled. Her sister, Dora is the responsible one. Responsible for
Maddy. Or maybe just bossy. But their lives revolve around each other.
This relationship is extreme and sometimes brutal. But they need each
other.
Allotment is performed on Ms. Nelson's allotment no matter what
the weather. It is both funny and sad. Performed with believable subtlety
by Nicola Jo Cully as Maddy and Pauline Goldsmith as Dora.
Catherine Lamm
Next
page - - - Index
|
