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Theatre
‘YOU RISE FROM WHAT HAS GONE BEFORE AND YOU GROW STRONGER FROM IT'
directed by lanus'l. ()prynski. the piece is a stark and deeply moving exploration of the brutality of war. as seen through the eyes of an ordinary individual. ‘Because of Poland‘s history. there is this myth of the army being pure and beautiful: that‘s not so.‘ says ()prynski. ‘Of course. what has happened has been brutal. but equally we have lied to ourselves and allowed ourselves to be lied to.‘
As the piece is focused on the ambiguous morality of a Polish soldier. ()prynski was keen that the play's setting reflect the current contemporary climate. ‘There are many tools to describe the world.‘ he says. ‘As artists we have an obligation to undermine any obviousness. Poles are very used to being the victim; this was an attempt to show that there is more to the story than that. I oppose a theatre that does not have
something to say. That should be the essence of
theatre. If Poland can do that one thing today. then it is doing something very important.’
Elsewhere in the programme. contemporary themes of immigration and displacement capture the stark realities of the life of Polish migrants. In Emigrants. for instance. a site specific piece set in a camper van. two young men struggle to find their place in the world as a New Year dawns.
But it‘s the sheer diversity of the Polish fare at this year‘s Fringe that is striking. Marlene
Dietrich is re—imagined through the medium of
puppetry in Bra/(mt Nails. which explores femininity and the power of stardom through the character of a young servant girl apprentice. Kompania Doomsday explores the imaginary relationship between a trapped beast and his master in the imaginative puppetry piece Baldanders. The monotony. challenges and inevitable trials of the journey from birth to death are explored by Polish puppetry trio. K3 Theatre in lz'tt'rtcru. while legendary Polish
leading mime artist Krosny stars in the highly
enjoyable comedy without words. Mime l'iir
lxmglrs.’
'The joy of where Polish theatre is right now is that it is not afraid to have a voice.’ says ()prynski. In Poland we do it for those that have been left behind. and those that have gone. and now maybe for those who come back. We show their strength. their struggles and their hope: you can‘t find a more universal message than that.‘
Bite the Dust, Universal Arts Theatre, 220 0143, 23-25 Aug (not 13), 5pm, £12-£14 (£9-£1 1). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £5; Emigrants, Rocket@Demarco, Roxy Art House, 0871 750 0077, 1 1-17 Aug, 1pm, 3pm, 5pm & 7pm, £12—£15 (£10); Baldanders, 3-25 Aug (not 6, 13, 20), 7.50pm, £10-£1 1 (£8-£9). Previews 1 8. 2 Aug, £5; Etcetera, 3—25 Aug (not 13), 1.10pm, £10-£12 (£8-£10). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £5; Broken Nails, 3—24 Aug (not 10), 5.35pm, £10—£12 (£8—£10). Previews 1 8: 2 Aug, £5; Mime For Laughs!, 3—25 Aug (not 13, 22), 9.20pm, £9-£1 1 (£7-£9). Previews 1 & 2 Aug, £5. All Hill Street Theatre, 226 6522 unless otherwise mentioned.
FAR UP! FAR OUT! FAR MORE!
As ever, this year’s Fringe features a number of shows designed to stimulate the senses as well as the intellect. Allan Radcliffe offers his pick of visceral thrills coming your way
Wanderlust
This interactive club event returns audiences to the spirit of 19308 Berlin with its electrifying fusion of circus and cabaret. all
" ” administered by a ten-foot Fraulein. Underbelly, 0844 545 8252, 2—24 Aug (not 77), 77.30pm, {IQ—£70.50 (58—2950). Prevxews 37 Jul 8. 7 Aug, E6.
Jim Rose Circus Jim Rose‘s caravan of human oddities returns to the Fringe with its most extreme show to date. Expect masochistic deeds aplenty from Bebe. the Torture King. Mr Lifto and the gang. Udderbe/iy's Pasture, 0844 545 8252, 7 —25 Aug, 7 7.45pm,
E 72.50—E 78. Preview 37 Jul, E 70.
Sideshow: the Weirdest Show on Earth
More edgy. late night cabaret, featuring a cast of freaks. outcasts and attention seekers, hosted by DJ Margaret the Gimp and the Bloody Ringmaster. Underbelly 0844 545 8252, 2—24 Aug, 72.75am, filo-£72.50 (ES—E7 7.50). Previews, 37 Jul 8 7 Aug, E6.
Phantomysterla The award-winning Teatr Novogo Fronta brings its spectacular apocalyptic vision to bear on the hallowed Cloisters of Edinburgh University. Old College Quad. 662 8740. 5—25 Aug, 70pm, £70 (£8).
Footsbarn: A Midsummer Night's Dream Footsbarn arrives at the Fringe for the first time, pitching its Big Top on Calton Hill and delighting audiences of all ages with its colourful mix
of music. masks and physical theatre. Footsbarn's Big Top at Calton Hill, 623 3030, 3—25 Aug (not 72, 79). $75—$20 ($70—$72). Previews 7 8 2Aug, E70 ([35).
The Tiger Lillles' 7 Deadly Sins The Olivier Award- winning trio cross over to the dark side with their deliciously deviant, filthy punk
, * cabaret. The Spiege/ * ' " Garden, 667 8940,
8—28 Aug, 9.45pm, SIS—f7 7 ($73—$74) Preview 7
Aug, £73.
(£1 .Jul '7' Aug 9008 THE LIST FESTIVAL MAGAZINE 53