This beautiful, dark and disturbing story pitches two lost young people into a confusing web of contradictions as they seek shelter from the snow in a library of memories. The couple is initially thankful of the respite the library offers but, as the librarian proceeds to read her fairytales in an unsettling low, melodious voice, they begin to struggle with their perception and find themselves having to fight the onset of suggestion to keep a hold of reality.
This moody piece is given real life by an excellent cast, all of whom give arresting physical performances. Amongst the trio, Jenny Ayres particularly stands out with her unforgettable appearance as the mysterious librarian.
Tender, brutal, frightening and confusing by turns, Roses and Morphine is a powerful and visually gorgeous piece. Fans of Angela Carter will enjoy it.
The show’s programme explains that the show alludes to events in Iraq, and ”the archetypal imperialist narrative embodied in the Western”. This totally passed me by but I thoroughly enjoyed the show nonetheless.
4/5
Morag Patterson
