Mary Zimmerman’s ‘Metamorphoses’ is a retelling of Ovid’s tales incorporating physical theatre and choral narration. The script is in free verse, and these young actors struggle with the august rhetoric and heroic tone, leaving the dialogue at times stilted and hollow. More often than not, the cast deliver their lines with deadpan indifference, while the longer narrative sections can be a bit lacklustre. The production overall is slick and light-hearted, the acting generally of a surprisingly high standard for a youth company. The moments of physical theatre are well-rehearsed, and the cast find plenty of room for comedy in caricaturing characters such as Bacchas and Phaeton. Overall, an endearingly swift and competent production.
Pilrig Studio, 8 – 12 Aug (not 11), times vary, £5.00, fpp280.
tw rating 3/5
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Sections: by Ivan Juritz - ED2011 Theatre Reviews - tw rating 3/5 | Tags: American High School Theatre Festival, Pilrig Studio
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