So many thoughts and at the same time – almost none.
I left this theater feeling genuinely so confused / uncomfortable / troubled? It was a very strange two hours. Overall, I just felt like there wasn’t much of a story or an impact. I am not a believer that every single shows goal is to have you leave the theater and feel inspired to go out in the world and do something amazing, or even feel like you gained really anything from the show – some shows really are just good fun, and when theyre over, you had a nice time and you leave it at the theater. This show was different, though. I felt like they were trying to make a point, but kept missing it, and not just an inch but by a mile. I also felt like when I left, I was just completely confused about what I had spent the last two hours watching. I didnt have fun, and I didnt walk away with a totally inspired mindset, so in my mind, there wasnt much to be super excited about. I thought the woman who played Elena, Kate Fleetwood, did a great job and was the only character who I believed. The others, such as Ewan McGregor, Elizabeth Debicki, David Ajala, and Mirren Mack seemed to fade into the backround for me. Ewan McGregor – I dont know if I personally expected more from him or if I had just heard that he was a good actor so I thought he would be the leading force of the show? But I felt like the characters of Kaia and Ragnar were so irrevelant as a pair. Ragnar was slightly relevant just as he was used as a manipulation tactic for Elena, but truly his relationship with Kaia meant nothing and didnt seem to move the story along in any way. I felt bad for the other ensemble members who were on stage for two minutes, and I couldnt really see why they were needed. As for design and lighting and costume, I thought they actually did a great job. The costumes were beautiful and very symbolistic, especially for Elena and Hilda. The lighting was well done, very simple. The set was nice, very stark and sterile, but I thought it was a nice touch for the adaptation. Overall, I truly am so indifferent – even though I thought it was bad – I didnt really feel much about it after I left the theater. I was mostly just glad it was over.
Its good to see bad theater! I am thankful that good theater and bad theater alike exist. It makes the world so much more interesting.
xo, jo
Theatre in London U of A 