HWS Rembiko Project

We occasionally see Shakespeare given the cross gender treatment as in ‘The Tragedy of Othella the Hip Hop Diva of Venice Beach’. Eric Schrode’s treatment of the bard’s best-known tragedy not only swaps the sexes but also transfers the action to the U S A, where rival bands and singers battle things out.

 Fighting against the acoustics in the vast cavern of a performance area the opening night of this show went very well. Only occasionally was the dialogue difficult to hear.

Although slightly longer than most typical Fringe productions this is well worth going to see as the cast and crew work very hard to entertain you and the talents of many of the performers are obvious.

Siobhan Heard as Othella is a Diva or could definitely be one. Her voice is phenomenal and could probably be herd without the assistance of a microphone.

I found the concept of Desmond a little more difficult to accept, Spencer Case did a great job and although we only heard a few phrases sung by him also has a superb singing voice.

Annie Jonas as Iaga, Alexandra Kalinowski as Rodrega and Samantha Ressler as Cassia the three backing singers to Othella provide the crux of the performance. There twofaced yet subtle treatment of each other is well performed.

This is definitely a show to see if you love Shakespearian adaptations and if not you could enjoy the spectacle.

Venue;  Roxy Art House  V115

Dates;  1, 3, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 + 15th August

Times;     21.45  to  23.00

Fringe Programme Page  170

hws rembiko Fringe 2002 reviews

Pirates of Penzance: County USA