Did Odysseus smoke crack? Orpheus shoot heroin? Persephone prostitute herself? The answer is no – as far as we know. Therefore, the blurb does this show no favours in claiming a tenuous link to Greek mythology. Even the names, which were handed out on a sheet to the audience, weren’t made clear on stage. Naomi Iizuka’s mythology is this “street poem” performed by a cast of eleven; drugs, sex and destitution are the epics of their young lives. Although occasionally moving, these stories were confusing to follow despite some good acting from this young group; in particular, Johnny Manibugan had his Speedracer character down to a fine art. But despite their best efforts, the show was unstable at its very core.
theSpace at Venue45, 9 – 13 Aug (not 12), times vary, £5.00, fpp264.
tw rating 2/5
[dg]
Sections: by Danielle Grogan - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 2/5 | Tags: International Collegiate Theatre Festival, Space Venues
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