Showing @ Summerhall, Edinburgh until Sun 25 Aug (not 8, 15, 22) @ 20:00
Atresbandes are a young Catalan theatre company, and Solfatara is a small scale production with a cast of just three but based on this evidence, it’s safe to say that these are names to remember.
The production takes its name from the openings in volcanic terrain that allow hot gas to escape. It is the intimate, witty and wise story of an arguing couple who decide to invite some friend over for dinner. The genius lies in the “fifth wheel”, a literal embodiment of the couple’s fears as a balaclava’d, dressing gowned mischief maker gleefully manipulating the duo’s actions.
It’s a situation that anyone who has ever been in a relationship will identify with and the clever device of the Fear character exposes the inherent absurdity and dark humour of the situation. The company also make clever use of the English subtitles to add to the overall humour of the piece. Monica Almirall and Miquel Segovia put in committed performances as the young couple, and Albert Perez is excellent as their tormentor.
Comments