'WOYZECK',
performed by Slot Machine, at Kennet School, on Thursday, June 14.
If
you ever thought young people shouldn't be asked to tackle 'difficult' drama,
you should see Slot Machine (Shining Lights On Tour), part of the Shining Lights
Theatre Company.
They proved yet
again with their performance of 'Woyzeck' that if a director expects and inspires
them to brilliance, they will deliver. Pete Watt's adaptation of Buchner's play
was an hour and 20 minutes or so of totally gripping drama, and a most impressive
piece of ensemble work. The entire cast were on stage throughout, and the peripheral
characters were just as focused and involved as those centre stage, with some
beautifully devised tableaux. No one detracted from the central action, rather
they complemented it.
Paul Kerry was superb as Woyzeck, rushing "through the world like an open razor",
wounded and destructive, unable to deal with his lot except by lashing out,
especially at the lovely Marie, played by Francesca Tambini. She too was an
unhappy soul, seeking her raison d'etre in the arms of soldiers, and occasionally
showing sweet maternal warmth towards her son.
The child was portrayed through excellent puppetry by Amy Phillips and Sophie
Hicklin, totally captivating and believable.
James Elliott, Stuart Hunter and Carl Stallwood all gave clear, strong performances
as the Captain, the Doctor and the Sergeant respectively, and Joe Thorpe, and
Daniel Sherratt were remarkable Shadows of Woyzeck.
The fight scenes and Marie's death were quite simply superb, combining a high
degree of controlled physicality with perfect timing to produce extremely powerful
theatre. I think it's the first time I've ever been in an audience where everyone
was so totally engrossed in what was going on on stage. No one moved, or coughed,
and there was a tangible feeling of tension as Woyzeck was stained by Marie's
blood.
No surprise, then, that the company has been invited to perform at the New York
International Fringe Festival this summer. And no surprise that the degree of
commitment and support they enjoy meant that over £2,000 was raised that evening,
largely through an auction of celebrity memorabilia. Get ready, New York, The
Great Brits are coming!
LESLEY MCEWEN (NWN)
