The white nine tailed fox is a common character in Asian folklore. It has mystical and supernatural powers and find its way into many traditional stories. About Lady Fox With Nine Tails takes this traditional sorry and combines it with Shakespeare’s Macbeth to create a new story of transformation and betrayal. The performance uses dance, physical theatre, masks and slapstick comedy to present this whimsical tale.
The venue itself is not ideal to host this performance. We are in a room which appears to be a university lecture hall and the stage is far too small. The drama of About Lady Fox With Nine Tails frequently occurs on the floor, with the players expressing themselves whilst kneeling on the ground. On these occasions only the front row gets the chance to witness the action. This is somewhat frustrating as it would have been nice to experience the show in its full expressive glory. On occasion the set is used to its fullest. Paint is utilised to create moody and broody images on the back wall. One of the performers covers their hands in blue paint and dabs it on the pitch black surface. This image becomes even more gruesome when we realise that this blue paint is in fact a form of supernatural blood.
The sound and music during About Lady Fox With Nine Tails is very overwhelming and consuming. The recorded soundtrack is loud and over dramatic, causing even the subtle scenes to feel incredibly melodramatic and bombastic, when a more subtle tone would have conveyed the intimacy that was being depicted on the stage. The performers themselves bring out the best of the show. They perform with gusto and passion and make the hour long performance an enjoyable one through their excellent choreography and brilliant comic timing.
About Lady Fox With Nine Tails is part of the Korean Season at the Edinburgh Fringe. There are a a total of four different performances spread over several Assembly venues throughout the festival.