As the protagonists, Cirade and Staïcu, take to the stage for their “duel” the chuckling begins. They have been billed as the Laurel and Hardy of music and this description is apt.
Initially it wasn’t clear how two musicians could engage in a duel but this soon became obvious as the duo acted out several hilarious and perfectly timed comic scenes. Both musicians are highly accomplished and skilled and the lack of speech in the play is more than made up for by the ebb and flow of the music.
It is hard to properly describe their skill using mere words but it’s safe to say that these guys are so artistically versed that they’d make the gods jealous. At one moment Cirade simultaneously plays the cello and didgeridoo before deciding to take on the extra challenge of adding the piano. This ties the pair on knots yet Staïcu manages to supplement Ciradeís bowing of the cello and piano part. He then turns his cello into a double bass and a guitar and even pretends to eat it in the campfire scene! When not entangled with the opposition, Staîcu athletically plays the piano whilst sitting on the floor, using all the parts of the instrument, including the interior, to fight his corner of the slapstick duel.
The show is non-stop comic genius that transcends language and cultural barriers and is suitable for both musical and non-musical families. These guys do things with a cello and a piano you’d never believe could be done!
4/5
Cath Wood
