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A classical spin on war and spin
Glyn Cannon was writing his modernisation of Sophocles' Antigone during last year Hostilities had ended int 7', situation was deteriorating-.JWhen the US released images of Saddam‘s dead sons, Cannon began to see links with the Greek classic. 'I don't want the play to be a case of this Character is Blaii, and this ‘s Bus.” -— that can be a two cit“ he sags, ' ‘ you just can't help. 71’"?
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Actress’Choice
Veteran of stage and screen, Scottish actress UNA MCLEAN takes a break from her own Fringe show, Shimmer, to pick her top five shows for this year’s Festival offerings.
The Composer, the Singer, the Cook and the Sinner (pictured) This is the top of my Tapas list. I've seen every show Carlos Santos has done at the Festival and he ls absolutely off the wall. Leaves you breathless. E/F. 27--30 Aug, King is Theatre, 7.30pm.
One Flew Over The Cuckoo’s Nest Russell [Hunter, McLean's late husband] did Twelve Angry Men With Guy Masterson last year and I believe he's got a few of the cast back for this. I'm sorry to hear that Guy's no longer directing but if this i. as good as last year's show; it'll be wonderful, I'm sure. Fringe, 6 30 Aug. Asseriib/y Rooms, 1.45p/ii. Finding Mick Jagger Last year. when Owen O'Neill was in Twelve Angry Men, he gave me a book of poems he'd written and he's really a very clever man. And I‘m into the Irish. Fringe, Traverse Theatre, l7--28 Aug, 9.45pm.
Muriel Spark She‘s a brilliant writer and a fascinating lady. I would love to meet her. Book Festival, Charlotte Square, 22 Aug, I 1.30am. Shimmer It's a fascinating play, with a spiritual, magical quality to it. Linda McLean is a lovely writer. Lynne Parker is a super director to work With and it's a wonderful cast. It's been very satisfying to work on it. Fringe, Traverse Theatre. 3---28 Aug, times vary.
Hit FESTIVAL THEATRE
‘Pray to God and say the lines’ - Bette Davis
I How To Act Around Cops New York company Singularity presents a tale of drugs, guns, violence and ordinary people in remarkable situations. A tale of dodgy coppers and tough behaviour, incorporating theatrical experiments. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, until 30 Aug (not 10, 24), 12.50pm, £10 (£6. 50).
I Shimmer Linda McLean’s new play at the Traverse looks set to impress. A group of women, three generations of the same family, are unexpectedly marooned at a remote west coast 8&8. McLean’s work tells a richly poetic story. Traverse, 228 1404, 7—27 Aug (not 9, 16, 23, Aug), 3.15pm, 12.15pm, 6.15pm, £16(£‘9).
I Thom Paine Will Eno’s text examines human alienation through a dislikeable man on the point of a breakdown. Performed by acclaimed theatre and film actor James Urbaniak, this looks like being one of the highlights of the Fringe. Pleasance Courtyard, 556 6550, 8-20 Aug (not 10, 16), 3pm, £9—10 (£7. 50-8850). Previews 5—7 Aug, £5.
I Gone Glynn Cannon’s play examines the contemporary world through a classical precedent. Set in the world of spin doctors. the play reappraises the classical tragedy of Antigone. Pleasance Cavern, 556 6550, 5-30 Aug (not 70, 17), 3pm 29.50437 (£7—£8) I Fatboy John Clancy's Americana Absurdum group is back, and those who have seen this company's previous work won't need any persuasion to go to this latest piece. Fatboy is a fast-paced dark farce which examines the overwhelming issue of consumerism in the contemporary West. A version of Ubu Roi, this piece has Mike McShane in the lead. Assembly Rooms, 226 2428, 6-30 Aug, 5.45pm, £13—E12(£12—£‘11).
53-12 Aug 2004 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 55