The first point to make about ‘Crave’
is that it is not conventional theatre with a storyline and
character development. Rather it is a blend of words almost musical
in the way that they are delivered. Four actors, two male and two
female, pour out mainly in staccato fashion a full range of deep
emotions. Briefly, one of the actors almost breaks into a full
anecdote but this is quickly absorbed into the fusion of the
remaining voices.
The analogy that can be made is with a
Bartock or Berg Quartet. At times, there are solo sections but it is
the whole sound that the listener takes in. As with musicians, the
timing is crucial and in this play the same requirement is
essential. In this regard, the four performers Edward Rice, Osheen
Jones who is also the director, Alexandra Guelff, Stephanie Bain
plus the lighting crew cannot be faulted.
This is not an easy piece to give stars
since, like the musical works which I have mentioned, the listener
will either take to it or reject it. For its mesmeric quality and
the boldness of the project it deserves praise. However, if you are
looking for more traditional theatre this production may not be for
you.
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