Low Down

Inspired by Euripides 'The Bacchae', the play examines the modern day cult of hero worship, guru's and celebrity culture using text and ariel performance to create a thought-provoking piece of theatre

Review

Usually the Fringe is full of Abigail's Parties, Bouncers and Hamlet's - this year it appears that the play of choice is 'The Bacchae' by Euripides. From Alan Cumming who will be giving us his Dionysus in the international festival via not one but two versions at C venues I chanced upon Actors of Dionysus take on the greek classic daily at the Gilded Balloon.

Devised and performed by AOD's artistic director Tamsin Shasha this is visually stunning, thoughtful yet accessible piece of theatre.

The set a bare stage with a pulsating mirrored wall behind it  and just a rope hanging is all that is needed to create a series of powerfully performed characters from Dionysus himself (here a modern day guru held in the same awe by his followers as rock stars) to his followers and his nemesis. In this case his downfall is brought about by the slaughter of a professor who dismisses the god-like awe in which his followers hold him during one of his 'shows'. 

Tamsin Shasha's performance in places is mesmerising as she is transformed into the different characters using subtle lighting changes and fluid ariel movements.

If you want to see just the one Bacchae this festival my advice would be to make it this one

Reviewed by JG 6th August 2007

Website : www.actorsofdionysus.com