It’s unusual to find really good theatre in small Fringe venues these days but this Romanian production is definitely a rare exception.
Obstinately dealing with the frailty of identity, this wonderfully played series of mutating vignettes also hints at a bigger political picture, as it is often clear that it is pointing the finger at the dogma that governed the former Eastern Bloc. However, there is more than enough going on already without exploring this subtext further.
Without revealing too much detail, this two-hander delves deeply into the psyche and unearths all sorts of foibles, perversions and insecurities. This in itself is amazingly engaging but it is the sterling performances in this piece that are truly gripping.
On one hand we have the ever-changing, multi-faceted Alexis Latham, who segues smoothly from bullying and aggressive to timid and caring, whilst on the other there is Solecki Janka’s innocent and vulnerable counterpoint, which simply cries out for sympathy.
It is rare to find such a gem on today’s Fringe and this wonderful piece of theatre is definitely worth the trek up past the Castle.
4/5
Richard Biggs
