Direct from its record-braking New York run, Godlight Theatre brings a blisteringly energetic show to the Fringe.
Living in the shadows of such a deeply loved novel and one of the most iconic films of all time can not be an easy job, yet this adaptation stands well on its own and actually manages to improve on both.
For those who are not familiar with the story, A Clockwork Orange it is set in the near-future and centres on violent gang-leader Alex (Ken King) and his Droogs. When Alex is imprisoned for a a series of crimes, the authorities offer him the chance to live life as a good citizen through a new technique that will make it impossible for him to commit acts of cruelty.
Director Joe Tantalo pulls the story right up to date in a number of effective ways including a techno version of the Beethoven soundtrack and drawing parallels between Alex’s incarceration and the atrocities committed by American soldiers in Iraq.
However, Tantalo deserves most praise for the delivery of the play’s violence, as each fight scene is choreographed to perfection. In the devastating gang rape scene, the director melds frantic violence and loud music with silent slow motion, making the audience flesh creep as they watch the action.
Brilliant and challenging, the exciting adaptation genuinely makes you question all that is around you.
4/5
Martin Miller
