Cambridge University ADC is a company who
do not go the tried and tested route with their Fringe
productions. Last year they presented Five Visions of the Faithful
by Torben Betts and this year give a world premiere to Dic
Edwards’ Astrakhan Winter.
Neither plays were the easiest to watch,
but were professional productions, well directed and acted. This
is a dark piece, both in content and the spectacular way it is
lit, but probably left far more questions than it answered.
This is a complex play, Walker, Luke
Roberts, a possibly misguided lecturer from the west, who becomes
the leader of a Balkan revolution that effects his personal,
professional and emotional life. His ex – con son, Luke, Jay
Miller, estranged wife, his mistress and various revolutionary
ghosts all inter act to pose the questions but offer few, if any
answers.
There is live music of predominantly
ethnic folk style, albeit some of which is classical and director
James Dacre holds the whole production together.
So, if you like your theatre challenging,
and are prepared to draw your own conclusions, rather than have it
all unfold for you, then this is certainly a piece you should
enjoy. If you do not fit this mould, then maybe you should see it
anyway as it’s professionalism just oozes from this production.
****
|