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Fringe Theatre  2003

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Breaking Strain
Passion Pit Theatre
This show is an updated version of the Greek legend of Phaedra's seduction of her stepson Hippolytus. Written and performed by Justin Butcher, he has two other shows in production  'The Madness of George Dubya' and 'Scaramouche Jones.
For his Edinburgh Fringe debut he is joined by Katy Feeney, an experienced actress who also teaches, directs and writes. Her theatre and television work covers a wide variety of shows.
In updating the play Justin changes the characters names for Phaedra read Fi and for Hippolytus read Peter, the set is Peter's fathers house on Cyprus.  Peter an Olympic long distance runner has the reputation of being pure and forsaking all pleasures to keep in top physical form, not difficult for Justin if looks are to go by.  From the second Fi, Peter's fathers new bride, sets eyes on the naked form of her step son she is devoured by lust.  They don’t get on from the first unexpected meeting.   Fi plots to seduce him but it all goes horribly wrong.
The set is lovely and made me long for my little Greek island Zakynthos.
Beautifully written with some degree of both comedy and tragedy, this is a fascinating and very enjoyable show to watch. Not suitable for under 16 as it contains some nudity and simulated sex.

Photograph courtesy of Passion Pit Theatre

Venue;   C Chambers Street  V34
Dates;  11th  to  24th  August
Times;    20.10   to   21.25
Fringe Programme Page  121

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Fringe Theatre 2003