Wolf, Authentic Artistic Collective – Just the Tonic @ The Caves
***** (5 stars)
We are given instructions before entering The Caves on how best to respond when approached by a wolf. This is the first indication of just how up close and personal these creatures are going to get. When we are eventually led in, the space itself is dimly lit and a nervous audience await the arrival of the cast. Then arrive they do; sniffing, pawing and nuzzling us. It’s clear that not everyone in the crowd is prepared for this and there is some uncomfortable shuffling and avoidance of eye contact.
What follows is the best example of site-specific performance that I have seen to date. The physicality of the actors is mesmeric and the text, by Iain Finlay Macleod, has a visceral quality in perfect keeping with the feral atmosphere. There is an evocative soundscape created mainly by the performers with a sensitive, collective awareness, which is complimented by an original score from Kerry Andrew.
Fairytales and urban myths from our culture are woven together; from Romulus and Remus to Little Red Riding Hood, all told from the perspective of the wolf. There are references to conservation issues, but this is not a simplistic or polemic production. The action is frightening, funny and sexy and best of all, it is right next to you, in real time, with real theatrical intent. The space is used to maximum effect and the Authentic Artistic Collective demonstrate excellent devising techniques in creating a continually shifting focus, and huge credit must go to Kath Burlinson for her imaginative direction.
My only slight concern about this production is the lack of accessibility for people with disabilities. Chairs are provided for those who request them, but in truth, the experience is geared to those who are able to stand for 60 minutes. As someone with a history of back problems, I feel this should be noted. However, for those with the physical stamina, this is a thoroughly captivating and enthralling piece of entertainment.
Just The Tonic at the Caves , running until 29th August, 12.15pm. Full price £8.50 concession £7.50.
Sara-Jane McGeachy
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August 29, 2010 at 1:35 am
Wolves at the Gilded Balloon | Matthew at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival
[...] Wolf was interactive theatre in the Caves, looking at the reintroduction of wolves into the wild, along with how we envisage wolves in popular culture and fairy tales. We stood throughout, the excellent cast weaving amongst us, sniffing, rubbing, investigating, as we were taken through various scenes of wolf activity, questioning how and whether we can live together. Special thanks to the lady in the audience who moved the red scarf from her to her boyfriend, sacrificing him to the wolves instead of herself; and happy birthday to the cast member who I met in the queue for Sadie Hasler what feels like a lifetime ago. Here’s a better written review. [...]
August 24, 2010 at 9:20 pm
Jamie Zubairi
Thank you Sara Jane for that brilliant review. And yes, the accessibility issue is something that we would like to address in future venues, but yes, chairs are provided for those that don’t think they can last the 60 minutes. Thank you for mentioning that, so glad you enjoyed it.