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School
& Youth Theatre
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FrankensteinsA devised production by the Sherman Youth Theatre, Cardiff Review by Tony Layton Youth theatre at its best should always be encouraging its members to explore their world in an imaginative way and to avoid, when possible, the tried and tested. That's what this production sets out to do and I'm pleased to say it mostly succeeds. We are taken on what is mainly a visual journey which appears to be exploring the creative development of mankind. This vagueness stems from the fact that nothing clear is stated and we are left to our own devices to work out what the intentions are here. Perhaps some programme notes or more dialogue might have helped. Nevertheless, the journey certainly did hold the attention of the large audience. There was much to admire in this production, especially on the technical side where striking video imagery was effectively mixed with stirring sound effects. The dialogue, what little there was, had the sort of raw humour that often emerges through well structured work in improvisation. However, there are times when improvised dialogue has to be taken a stage further to give it a firmer structure and to enrich the content. That's what I felt was needed here. This group is clearly well led. The choreography was very impressive and provided a clear artistic shape especially following moments when the action appeared to have taken on a certain surreal quality. As the show progressed so its message became clearer. We are living through an age when we crave perfection in the human form. If we can afford it we can change our shape to be in vogue. The ultimate horror is to become another Michael Jackson. The show ends on a reassuring note; the marriage of beauty and the beast. Much credit must go to the various leaders of this enterprise. I am sure that the youth theatre members gained much from this experience.
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