Showing @ Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh until Sat 10 Mar
The myth of Goddess and Queen of Heaven Inanna’s descent into the Underworld can be interpreted as a journey to discover her ‘dark side’, accept her mortality and the continuance of life. It is by no means a conversation that can be considered lightly. Stellar Quines’ co-production with Imago Théâtre is a darkly funny recreation of Ana’s fall, the evolution of womankind and the exploration of fear and irrationality as it manifests through the ages.
Ana (played by numerous members of the cast) is one, many and every woman. Themes of fertility, maternity, marriage, love and sex collide in a collection of stories about her and the difficult decisions that cause her to split. As she divides, we encounter her various incarnations, representing iconic moments and historical figures, in a fast-paced montage where ‘all the world’s a circus’. The show itself sits somewhere between complete genius and total madness: it’s easy to take in but harder to make sense of – perhaps the root of its charm, but it could be alienating. The script has been crafted to allow two languages – English and Québécois French – to weave subtly around each other. Serge Denoncourt’s vibrant direction, aided by stylish costumes and a dynamic set, gives the story fluidity. Ana splits, changes, adapts and survives over and over again. It’s something we all do. But at what cost?
Click here to read an interview with ANA playwright Clare Duffy.